Opposed to GST being used as propaganda tool: Siddaramaiah

Agencies

June 30, 2017

Belagavi, Jun 30: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said his party was not opposed to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), but against its usage as a "propaganda tool".

Stating that after independence, only three mid-night events have been organised in the Parliament's central hall, i.e. when India got freedom, to celebrate 25 years of independence and thirdly, to mark 50 years of independence-- he questioned the need for organising a similar event for GST.

"...they are doing it for propaganda. We are not against GST, but the way they are doing it," he told reporters here.

The Congress had yesterday decided to keep away from the special midnight June 30 meeting convened by the government on GST implementation.

Noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Gujarat chief minister had opposed GST, Siddaramaiah said, "By organising a midnight event, they are now projecting as though they are bringing in a great economic reform in the country."

It was the Congress-led UPA government that had proposed GST, he said.

Responding to a question on GST's impact on tax revenues and the state's exchequer, the chief minister said, "There are apprehensions that it may get lowered, but it has been decided in the GST council that losses incurred have to be borne by the Central government upto five years."

According to state government officials, about six lakh traders and firms in Karnataka have registered for GST regime so far.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

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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