Siddaramaiah expands ministry; Param, three others inducted

[email protected] (CD Network)
October 29, 2015

Bengaluru, Oct 29: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today expanded his nearly two-and-half-year-old ministry inducting four members, including the state PCC chief G Parameshwara, in the long-expected exercise.

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After a long wait, Parameshwara, a Dalit, became a minister but without getting the Deputy Chief Minister's post he was aspiring for, after being coaxed by the Congress top leadership to be part of the cabinet.

Others who joined the 34-member ministry are Manohar Tahsildar, A Manju and Vinay Kulkarni, the latter two as Ministers of State. Manju and Kulkarni belong to the dominant Vokkaliga and Lingayat community, respectively, and Tahsildar is from the backward Balija caste with the move as an attempt to bring community and regional balance.

Parameshwara, who had served as minister twice, heads a group of educational institutions. The new inductees were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan.

The move to fill the four vacant ministerial slots comes after the Congress High Command gave the green signal to Siddaramaiah who had been deferring the exercise for some reason or the other.

Four-time legislator Parameshwara, a doctorate degree-holder, who had led the party to victory in 2013 Assembly polls as KPCC President but had lost the elections, was eyeing the Deputy Chief Minister's post.

He was reportedly persistent with his demand but was persuaded by the party leadership to accept the ministerial responsibility. Congress which enjoys absolute majority in the Assembly had deputy chief minister only once when S M Krishna had served under M Veerappa Moily.

On why he budged from his position, Parameshwara had said yesterday he was not willing to join the cabinet but Congress President Sonia Gandhi had called him and explained to him why he should be in the ministry and he could not say no.

Siddaramaiah was reportedly not comfortable with the idea of having a deputy as it had the potential to create a parallel power centre.

Parameshwara's term as PCC chief ends on October 31. Assembly Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa was also reportedly a ministerial aspirant but Siddaramaiah made it clear ahead of the exercise that he would remain in the present post.

To mollify the disgruntled ministerial aspirants, Siddaramaiah is expected to appoint several parliamentary secretaries with cabinet rank. The Chief Minister is expected to go in for ministry rejig after elections to local bodies due in January-February next.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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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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