Why DKS release a good news for Deve Gowda family too?

News Network

October 24, 2019

Bengaluru, Oct 24: The return of Congress stalwart D K Shivakumar to Karnataka, who was granted bail by the Delhi high court is not only a good news for his own party, but also for Deve Gowda family which is facing rebelling from a section of Janata Dal (Secular) leaders.

Twenty-seven legislators, including 11 MLCs, have reportedly decided to quit the JD(S) in protest against the alleged autocratic style of functioning of the Gowda family. Sources say the disgruntled legislators have already held a secret meeting and are planning to meet again to firm up plans.

With midterm polls a distinct possibility, these rebel legislators are moving to safeguard their careers, especially given the JD(S)’ waning popularity even in the Old Mysuru region. Reports suggest the Congress think-tank including CLP leader Siddaramaiah is keen on weakening the JD(S) to boost Congress’ prospects of returning to power.

However, Shivakumar’s return to the state is expected to stymie those efforts as the Kanakapura strongman enjoys a fine rapport with the Gowda family these days. Moreover, he would not want to earn the wrath of the Vokkaliga community by supporting the mission.

“After mending relations with the Gowda family, Shivakumar is being seen as a future leader of the Vokkaliga community,” said a close associate of Shivakumar. “Going by Shivakumar’s unflinching support to Kumaraswamy during the coalition government regime, the Gowda family is obliged to support him. Therefore, Shivakumar will neither support nor indulge in any plan to weaken the JD(S).”

Moreover, the Siddaramaiah camp may focus on consolidating their position within the Congress. “With Shivakumar and G Parameshwara coming under the I-T scanner, Siddaramaiah was unquestionable in the state Congress. But that will not be so now. Siddaramaiah cannot take any unilateral decision overlooking Shivakumar’s views,” another Congress leader said.

However, Siddaramaiah camp followers denied claims that they are working to weaken the JD(S). “Why will JD(S) MLAs quit party and join Congress when there are no elections around the corner? This is mere speculation,” a Congress leader said.

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Major facelift for Mangaluru's sporting heart: Mangala Stadium set for 2-month closure to upgrade synthetic track

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Educational institutions in Mangaluru that rely on the popular Mangala Stadium for their annual sports events are bracing for an inconvenience as the city's key sporting venue is set to close its gates for a significant upgrade. The stadium is expected to be unavailable for approximately two months starting from January 15, 2026.

The closure is necessitated by a proposed overhaul of the stadium's facilities, with a special focus on upgrading the synthetic track. Pradeep Dsouza, Assistant Director of the District of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Dakshina Kannada, confirmed the development.

"Experts have visited the stadium, conducted a thorough inspection, and have given the go-ahead for a complete makeover," Dsouza stated. "Funds have been allocated for the project, and we are currently awaiting the final green signal from state officials to commence the work. We anticipate that the work will likely begin in the second week of January. Consequently, we have stopped renting out the stadium to colleges and other organizations in preparation for the upgrade."

The timing presents a logistical challenge for colleges, as many schools have already concluded their sports meets.

"Colleges will now be organizing their events and will need to find alternative locations to host their sports meets," Dsouza added. He suggested a few potential venues, including the Dakshina Kannada police ground, University College grounds, Panambur grounds, Swaraj Maidan in Moodbidri, and the Mangalore University sports grounds in Konaje.

However, many institutions note that finding a comparable venue will be difficult. While the DK police ground and University College grounds are closer to the city center, they do not possess the extensive facilities and infrastructure offered by Mangala Stadium.

Dr. P Dayananda Pai - P Satisha Govt First Grade College, Carstreet, is one such institution dependent on the stadium. Principal Jayakar Bhandary expressed hope for a swift completion of the work. "We expect the work to be completed at the earliest. If not, we will be forced to look for other venues to host the sports day for our students," Bhandary said, highlighting the pressing need for the city's main sporting facility.

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