Why does D K Shivakumar want hold on Belagavi

TNN
September 12, 2018

Bengaluru, Sept 12: It is no secret that Congress leader and water resources minister D K Shivakumar is a chief ministerial aspirant.

And this seems to be the focal point of the raging controversy involving the Jarkiholi brothersand Congress MLA Laxmi Hebbalkar in Belagavi, that is causing worry to the Kumaraswamy government. The Jarkiholis have told the Congress leadership to direct Shivakumar to steer clear of Belagavi politics.

Party insiders said Shivakumar is firmly backing Hebbalkar to ensure she gains a foothold in Belagavi politics, currently largely controlled by the Jarkiholis, Kattis and Hukkeris.

“Shivakumar feels it would help his cause on the road to becoming CM someday, as Belagavi, with about 18 assembly constituencies, is a politically significant district in North Karnataka,” they added.

To gain a foothold in Belagavi politics, locals admit that it is indispensable for any leader to gain control over cooperative banks, as they form the support base of all leaders. “The Jarkiholis felt threatened and rattled when Hebbalkar tried to gain entry into their long-held bastion,” they added.

Shivakumar has already successfully executed this plan over the other politically significant districts of Dharwad and Ballari, by supporting second-rung leaders like Vinay Kulkarni, B Nagendra and Anand Singh, and has already gained some control there.

A senior leader close to Shivakumar said the latter is confident of making it to the CM’s gaddi, as he feels he will emerge as the next major Vokkaliga leader, after chief minister H D Kumaraswamy. “Shivakumar has realized that it is important to have the support of MLAs from North Karnataka, if one has to emerge as Congress legislature party leader, that sets the stage to becoming CM. So he is grooming some second-rung leaders to shore up his numbers before he gets the opportunity to don the CM’s mantle,” they added.

Shivakumar, the second richest minister in the country with assets worth Rs 251 crore, started executing his long-term plan last year when he reaffirmed his credentials as the party’s top crisis manager by shielding his party’s legislators from Gujarat, and prevented attempts to poach them by the BJP during the Rajya Sabha elections.

However, the income-tax department raids turned out to be a major setback, and he is now desperately finding ways to wriggle out of it to accomplish his CM dream.

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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, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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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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