Riven by graft, Karnataka votes Sunday to elect new government

May 4, 2013

Bangalore, May 4: It has been a bitter five years marked by corruption, intrigue and vicious infighting with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) splitting right down the middle but Karnataka voters hope to put it behind them when they vote in a new assembly Sunday.

The polls have drawn national attention as the ruling BJP and the Congress, the two major contenders for power, are locked in a bitter war of words over corruption.

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The outcome of the polls, which will be known May 8, is also being keenly watched across the nation as the BJP has split with B.S. Yeddyurappa, the man who gave the party its first regime in a southern state and who later quit to head his Karnataka Janata Party (KJP).

Yeddyurappa, who was forced to give up the chief minister's post in July 2011 over mining bribery charges, has repeatedly said that his main aim is to root out the BJP from the state.

Voting will take place for 223 of the 224 elected seats in the 225-member assembly that includes one nominated member representing the Anglo-Indian community.

Polling in Periyapatna constituency in Mysore district in south Karnataka has been countermanded following the death of BJP candidate S. Mogegowda April 29.

Over 43.6 million people, around 21.6 million of them women, are eligible to cast their ballots.

Other parties in the fray include the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Nationalist Congress Party, the Samajwadi Party, the Janata Dal-United), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Communist Party of India (CPI), and BSR Congress floated by B. Sriramulu, former BJP minister and associate of jailed mining baron G. Janardhana Reddy.

However, the contest is mainly between the BJP, the Congress, the JD-S and the KJP, though it is not evenly spread across the state.

In most of the 12 districts in north Karnataka, which sends 90 representatives to the assembly, it will be a three-way battle among the BJP, the Congress and the KJP.

For 88 seats in 11 districts in south Karnataka, including 28 seats in Bangalore urban district, the main contenders are the Congress and the JD-S, as the BJP is weak in this region, except Bangalore urban.

It will virtually be a straight fight between the BJP and the Congress in the three costal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada, which together have 19 seats.

In the four districts in central Karnataka, the BJP and the Congress are the major contenders for the 26 seats.

The BJP campaign has been spearheaded by party president Rajnath Singh and leaders L.K. Advani, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley.

However, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi stole the show with his virulent attack on the Congress and mocking Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi led the party's charge against the BJP.

JD-S star campaigners were its president and former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda and his son and former chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

For the KJP, it has been Yeddyurappa all the way.

The BSP's Mayawati, JD-U's Sharad Yadav and the CPI-M's Prakash Karat have also campaigned for their parties.

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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