RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat advocates Israel model nationalism'

Mangaluru: Political drama unfolded at the inauguration of the new Praja Soudha (DC office complex) on Friday, May 16, when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took a direct jab at local BJP MLA D Vedavyas Kamath, questioning the delay in the building’s inauguration during the previous BJP regime.

MLA Kamath, in his earlier speech, had credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Government’s Smart City Mission for the completion of the office complex. But the CM wasn't having it.

“Work on Praja Soudha had stalled for four years under BJP. It was only completed after the Congress returned to power. Why didn’t the BJP release Smart City funds when it was in charge?” Siddaramaiah fired back, challenging Kamath in full public view.

The sharp exchange added a political edge to the otherwise administrative event. The CM didn’t stop there — he reminded the audience that development doesn't happen with mere speeches but with political will and execution.

The tense moment underscored ongoing friction between the state government and local BJP leaders, turning what was meant to be a celebratory occasion into a subtle political showdown.

Joining the CM on stage were ministers Dinesh Gundu Rao and Byrathi Suresh, who kept a noticeably low profile during the verbal sparring. 

Black flag to CM

BJP Mangaluru North block workers and Yuva Morcha activists showed black flags to chief minister Siddaramaiah at Yeyyadi as they protested what they alleged as PFI involvement in rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty's murder. 

The protesters demanded an NIA investigation into the murder and sought govt compensation for Suhas' family. Police later detained the protesters.

Mangaluru: Some daytime train services between Mangaluru and Bengaluru will be suspended for 154 days starting June 1, due to railway electrification work in the Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road section, the South Western Railway said on Saturday.

According to the notification, the train services that will remain cancelled are: Yeshvantpur–Mangaluru Gomateshwara Express (Saturdays) – from May 31 to November 1; Mangaluru–Yeshvantpur Weekly Express (Sundays) – from June 1 to November 2; Yeshvantpur–Mangaluru Tri-weekly Express (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays) – from June 1 to August 30.

Other trains that are cancelled: Mangaluru–Yeshvantpur Tri-weekly Express (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays) – from June 2 to August 31; Yeshvantpur–Karwar Tri-weekly Express (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays) – from June 2 to October 31; and Karwar–Yeshvantpur Tri-weekly Express (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays) – from June 3 to November 1.

Passenger associations and travel committees have expressed concern over the cancellation, citing a lack of consultation and the absence of alternative arrangements.

They have urged railway authorities to manage the work without disrupting public convenience.

Udupi, May 12: A tragic incident unfolded at a wedding in Nandikur, Udupi district, when a four-year-old boy, Vasudeva, drowned in a temple pond near the venue.

According to a police complaint filed by Satyanarayana, 38, a resident of Kurkalu village in Kaup, the child had accompanied his mother, Soumya, and siblings—Vaishnavi (10) and Vishnu Priya (1)—to attend a wedding at the Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple Hall in Nandikur.

At approximately 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Soumya was feeding her infant daughter inside the hall while Vasudeva remained nearby. After tending to the baby, she stepped away briefly to wash her hands, during which time she noticed that Vasudeva was missing.

A frantic search ensued involving family members and others at the venue. About 15 minutes later, at around 2:15 p.m., Vasudeva was found unresponsive in the temple pond adjacent to the hall. Bystanders pulled him from the water and attempted resuscitation.

He was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Udupi, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Despite this, the family sought further medical assistance at a hospital in Manipal, but physicians there also confirmed that he had passed away.

The Padubidri police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.