Supporters of Modi, Murli Manohar Joshi fight over Varanasi constituency

March 8, 2014

Lucknow, Mar 8: BJP 's prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi may not have zeroed in on his constituency, but party workers have already launched a signature campaign in Varanasi, urging him to contest from the constituency.

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The campaign has triggered a war of sorts with supporters of the BJP 's sitting MP from Varanasi, Murli Manohar Joshi.

The Gujarat chief minister 's supporters have formed what they call the “Modi Army”, putting up banners, posters and hoardings across the temple town asking him to contest from the constituency. Joshi 's supporters have also put up posters and hoardings in his favour.

“The people of Kashi want Modi to contest from here. Joshiji must withdraw in Modi 's favour. He can contest from some other seat,” said Dharmendra Gupta, the chief of “Modi Army”, while putting up a poster.

Modi 's supporters said they plan to collect 5 lakh signatures from across the city and send it to the BJP 's central leadership in Delhi.

Modi 's supporters were stopped from undertaking their signature campaign by the police on Friday and a minor scuffle ensued. “They have not taken permission for the campaign,” the police said.

Gupta said that the BJP would stand to gain immensely in the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh if Modi contested from Varanasi. “It will have a tremendous impact on our electoral prospects,” he asserted.

Joshi has also launched his campaign from the town. He has been sending SMSes to the people exhorting them to support him in the polls. He had also, a few days back, reiterated that he would be contesting from Varanasi.

“I have said it many times that I am contesting from Varanasi,” Joshi had said.Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal could contest from Varanasi if Modi chooses to contest from there. Senior AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh had recently said that the party wanted Kejriwal to contest from Varanasi if Modi contested from there.

“People want Kejriwal to challenge Modi and he (Kejriwal) respects public sentiment,” Singh had said.

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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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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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December 4,2025

Udupi: A 40-year-old NRI from Udupi has reportedly lost more than Rs 12.25 lakh in an online investment scam operated through Telegram.

According to a complaint filed at the CEN police station, Leo Jerome Mendonsa, who has been working in Dubai for the past 15 years in computer accessories sales, maintains NRI accounts in Karkala and Nitte.

On November 12, 2025, Mendonsa was added to a Telegram group called Instaflow Earnings by unknown individuals. Users identified as Priya and Dipannita persuaded him to invest in “Revenue Tasks.” Initially, Mendonsa transferred Rs 1,100 multiple times and received the promised returns, encouraging him to continue.

On November 14, another user, Nishmitha Shetty, directed him to register on a website, digitvisionuoce.cc, and invest Rs 4 lakh in various shares. Over the next few days, he made multiple transfers totaling Rs 12,25,000, including Rs 50,000 via Google Pay, believing the scheme was legitimate.

After receiving the money, the alleged handlers stopped responding, and neither the invested amount nor the promised profits were returned.

The CEN police have registered a case under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and investigations are ongoing.

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