BENGALURU: Preparations for Aero India, which begins on February 13, are in full swing and organisers trying to finish the civic works ahead of schedule have been hit hard by the shortage of construction material.  

The paucity is because of an ongoing strike by owners of quarries and stone-crushing units asking the government to meet their certain demands. Sources said hundreds of loads of jelly stone, M-sand and other construction materials are required to finish the works at the Aero India venue, the Yelahanka Air Force Station. 

“We know that they need around 1,400 truckloads of construction material for Aero India. But we are helpless. We are not agitating in arrogance, but out of sheer helplessness. If we do not continue the agitation, we will lose all our properties and even the houses we live in. We also understand that after the works, they need about three weeks of curing to complete these projects. But what to do,” president of the Karnataka Quarry and Stone Crusher Owners’ Association Ravindra Shetty told The New Indian Express. 

Looking to meet CM, say quarry owners

“I too am from BJP. We are trying to sort out the issue as soon as possible. We are seeking to meet Chief Minister Basavraj Bommai to work out a way. We are not happy with the strike, but we have been left with no option. They have imposed double the royalty amount, levies and other taxes on us which is unfair. This has not been done in any other state,” he said.

The strike has been going on since December 21. BBMP Engineer-in-Chief BS Pralhad said, “As far as the air show is concerned, we are in charge of certain exit routes. There is not much construction work there.’’ But sources in the BBMP confirmed that some major works, including the HAL underpass near Old Airport and other major projects, are getting delayed because of the strike.

Defence PRO Punita said she will get in touch with the authorities and revert on the issue. Sources said some contractors, executing works across Bengaluru and other parts of the state, are getting the construction material from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. They are transporting it at odd hours to avoid detection. Losses from royalty and other taxes could be around Rs 10,000 crore to the state exchequer if the strike continues, the sources added.

Bengaluru: A 19-year-old BTech student was allegedly stabbed multiple times by her friend, at a private university on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Monday, police said.

They said attempting to end his life, the accused too stabbed himself.

The victim girl student identified as Laya Smitha, who was rushed to hospital was declared brought dead, while the accused, identified as Pawan Kalyan, who has suffered injuries on the chest, is being treated at the hospital.

The incident occurred at the university, where the victim was studying, while the accused is said to be a BCA student from another college.

Both are said to be from a village in Mulbagal taluk of Kolar district, police said, other students, who noticed the duo lying in a pool of blood, alerted the college authorities and security staff.

Rajanakunte Police said they are yet to ascertain the motive or reason behind the murder. A case has been registered and investigation is underway.

There was a sense of panic among the students of the college, where the incident happened.

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya

Ahmedabad: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya on Monday said the JD (S) is an “endangered party” which will become extinct in Karnataka after the upcoming Assembly elections.

He slammed JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy for calling Union Home Minister Amit Shah a “reincarnation” of Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels, saying his words reflect political frustration.

Addressing a press conference here, the Bengaluru South MP said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will retain power in Karnataka with a thumping victory similar to Gujarat.

Kumaraswamy on Saturday called BJP a party full of “hypocrisies and lies” and Amit Shah “a political chameleon” and “reincarnation” of Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels.

“The unparliamentary words used by Kumaraswamy reflect his political frustration. JD(S) is an endangered party and it will become extinct in Karnataka after the upcoming Assembly elections. That is the reason why he is making such statements,” said Surya, who heads BJP’s student wing Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM).

“The kind of statements the leaders of Congress and JD(S) from Karnataka are giving for the last 10-15 days, it is clear they know the results of the upcoming elections. Like Gujarat, the BJP will register a thumping victory in Karnataka,” said Surya.

In recently-held Gujarat Assembly elections, the BJP won the seventh straight term with a record mandate by winning 156 of 182 seats.
Surya said the BJP will also win the elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, due this year.

Surya was in Ahmedabad as part of BJYM’s “Sushasn” or good governance Yatra wherein the youth wing members from different states will tour Gujarat to understand how the state achieved development under the BJP rule.

Some of the institutions they will visit during this two-day tour include the IFFCO plant, GIFT City, railway stations, Vidya Samiksha Kendra and Forensic Sciences University campus among others.

“At least 50 BJYM workers from other states will also try to understand how the state unit of BJYM helped the BJP register a sweeping victory in the state elections,” said Surya.

“The Gujarat elections have already written a foreword for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. BJYM played an important role in BJP’s victory in Gujarat. During this tour, our workers from other states will also study and understand Yuva Morcha’s role during polls and we will prepare our state units in other states as per this Gujarat model,” he said.

Speaking on former Karnataka minister Gali Janardhan Reddy’s announcement on the formation of a new political party, Surya said the “people of Karnataka and workers of BJP will give a befitting reply to those who indulge in such misadventure”.

He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union minister Amit Shah for the Centre’s war on drugs and added “drug mafias” will be eliminated from the country in the next 2 to 3 years.

Speaking on a border row between Karnataka and Maharashtra, Surya said the people of Karnataka have full confidence in Shah, who is handling the issue.

“Such issues are connected with people’s emotions. Amit Shah held a meeting with the CMs of both states to find a lasting solution. The people of Karnataka are confident that everyone will get justice when a leader like Shah is handling this issue. We are confident that not even one per cent injustice will be done,” said Surya.

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday ruled out the merger of Karnataka’s popular dairy brand Nandini with Amul after a row broke out over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments on the state’s milk cooperative.

He was replying to a query on Congress state president D K Shivakumar’s apprehension that Nandini could be merged with Gujarat’s Amul based on Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Nandini’s facility in Mandya.

Bommai said Nandini will always maintain its separate identity in “the coming hundreds of years”. “The merger of Nandini with Amul is a wrong imagination. What to say about those who comment on based on their whims and fancies?” the Chief Minister told reporters here.

Shah had clearly said that Nandini and Amul to cooperate in the area of technology and marketing, Bommai added.

“Shah had said these two big companies should complement each other but that does not mean there should be a merger. The Nandini brand will remain as a separate entity permanently for hundreds of years,” Bommai said.

The Chief Minister said Shah had stated there will be benefits if both of brands worked together in some sector.

Nandini or Amul can exchange their best practices and expertise in specific areas such as technology or administration, Bommai said.

“The Union Minister’s statement must not be misunderstood and politicised. As a Chief Minister, I am saying that the Nandini brand will be a separate identity forever,” he told reporters.

By: Rizwan Asad/Faizan Rizwan

He is an Enthusiastic professional, responsible person and computer literate with proven leadership abilities in working as a team, handling multiple tasks, great adaptability to any enterprise’s environment. 

Ravi Kumar Patel was born in a non-political, agricultural & prestigious KEMPEGOWDA’S family in Bangalore, the founders of Bangalore. He is a live example of what one can achieve through sheer determination and hard work. His calm demeanor portrays his inner strength

Graduated in B.A LL.B, University Of Bangaloren on April 24, 1961 to Sri. M. Krishnappa and Smt. Savithramma, He is the youngest of their children.

Obtained Masters in Public Administration, University Of Bangalore.

He is an Enthusiastic professional, responsible person and computer literate with proven leadership abilities in working as a team, handling multiple tasks, great adaptability to any enterprise’s environment. 

Ravi Kumar Patel with his enigmatic personality has earned the love & affection of the people of Bangalore. He worked aggressively for the upliftment of the common man addressing several issues affecting the society at large for over nearly three decades. He displayed leadership instincts very early in his childhood. Another major influence in his life was Swami Vivekananda who advocated the principles of unity, nationalism, discipline, the power of collective struggle of whole-heartedly supporting a cause one believes in. 

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it. “His mission is to create a cleaner and greener environment by converting solid waste into green renewable energy, thus asserting “Swacha Bharat Drive”. As the Chairman of Swatch Bharath Green Solutions he aims to achieve efficient treatment of solid waste in 1000 local bodies by 2019 through a community led effective, sustainable & environment-friendly waste management systems which aligns with the global waste objective of the producer being the consumer.

ISKCON Bangalore has initiated a mid-day meal scheme which is sponsored by Govt. of India on a magnanimous scale under his leadership called Akshaya Patra Scheme feeding 50 lakhs children from the lower strata of the society who are the pillars of the nation. 

“Sanathana Dharma Puraskar 2014” was awarded by “Save Temple Organization, USA” in recognition of his outstanding contribution to propagate Sanathana Dharma and Indian Vedic Heritage and to save ISKCON temple in Bangalore. He has worked with Global Hindu Heritage Foundation to revive and propogate ancient heritage temples in Karnataka. 

Under the aegis of Govt. of India Planning Commission he has facilitated training of 4 lakh unskilled labors in joint venture with Construction Industry Development Council of GOI. Also contributed in developing 2-tier cities in Karnataka under the able leadership of vice chairman Planning Commission of Govt. of India. 

Significant achievements

–  Played a key role in the Tourism and Rural Development, in NDA regime under the guidance of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, then prime minister of India

–  Mr. Ravi Kumar Patel has travelled extensively across the world representing India and its young leadership in various fortes. Some of the key delegations that he was part of include

a. Visited Canada, on an exchange program, on the invitation of Canadian council for young political leaders during which he meticulously studied various aspects of Canadian political system

b. Visited Israel with the Farmer’s delegation which focused on the promotion of agricultural and marketing for Agricultural products

c. Visited Nepal in 1991 to study youth policies

d. Visited China, Malaysia, and   Singapore to participate in the international conferences on terrorism organized by respective nations

e. Business Delegation for solid waste management with Shri. Hari Khoday M.D of Khoday group of companies along with Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Jagadish Shettur

He has also been conferred many awards for his outstanding contribution towards the enrichment of social and political aspects.

Social Activities

•President, Ashirwaad Charitable Trust, Bangalore

•Patron, Sparsh n’ Charities, Bangalore

•Mahadharmadhikari, ISKCON Bangalore

•Member, Karnataka Planning Commission, Government of Karnataka during the year 2010-13

Actively organized free medical camps, sponsoring heart surgeries, and providing medical aid and scholarships for the deserving poor. Establishing a center of revival, propagating and perpetuating the country’s invaluable cultural heritage. Responsible for establishing free Homeopathy clinic in Bangalore, where consultation and distribution of medicine is FREE FOR ALL. Also conducted Yoga and Health camps.

Business

•Chairman and Managing director, Patel Group of Companies

•Managing Director, Shrisha Holdings Pvt Ltd.

•Director, Nature care solutions Pvt Ltd.

Along with Shri.Shivakumara Swamiji Siddaganga Mutt

MANGALURU: The Mangaluru City Police on Monday arrested three persons in connection with the brutal murder of Abdul Jaleel (43), owner of a fancy shop in Surathkal. The accused are Shailesh (21) from Naithangadi in Krishnapura; Savin Kanchan alias Munna (24) from Hejamady, and Pavan alias Pacchu (23) from Katipalla. They were handed over to 10-day police custody.

Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar told reporters that Shailesh and Savin were the assailants, while Pavan helped them escape on his bike after the crime. Search is on for a few more persons involved in the crime.

So far, the police have questioned over 12 people, including a few women. The commissioner said the motive behind the murder is still not clear and only a detailed investigation will bring out the truth. Police are also investigating if there was personal enmity. Police sources said the victim was in an affair with a woman from a different faith for many years and the assailants were opposed to it. The accused, along with some locals, had also warned Jaleel to stay away from the woman.

A few weeks ago, there was a heated exchange between Jaleel and one of the accused over the same issue. On the day of the incident, Shailesh and Jaleel had an altercation following which the former called his friends and they together hatched a plan to eliminate Jaleel.

Shailesh and Savin stabbed Jaleel in front of his fancy shop at Katipalla fourth block in Surathkal after which Pavan took them to Surathkal on his bike. From there, they went to Kaup and spent the night at a lodge and were planning to escape to Mumbai when the police nabbed them. Shailesh and Savin are rowdy sheeters and were involved in the murder of another rowdy sheeter Pinky Nawaz in 2021.

BIKE RIDING BANNED
Prohibitory orders have been clamped in Surathkal, Panambur, Bajpe and Kavoor police station limits till 6 am on December 27. The movement of two-wheelers has been banned during this time. However, men above 60 years of age, women and children below 18 years are exempted . Also those moving on National Highways and during emergency situations have been exempted. Liquor shops will be shut till 10 am on December 29.

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who held a marathon meeting with BJP national president JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah at New Delhi late on Monday evening, said he will decide on the demand of Panchamasalis for 2A reservation category and opposition for it from the backward classes, after holding an all-party meeting.

With this, Congress and JDS will have to have a say on the contentious issue.

“The discussion was around the tour programme in January of national leaders, including Nadda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah and Rajnath Singh. Also, the reservation issue that was raked up in the ensuing winter session was discussed. Nadda asked me to give social justice to the concerned, but keeping in view the party’s policy. I gave all the details and Nadda said he will speak directly with those demanding the quota,” Bommai said.

Following Nadda’s advice, Bommai said he will hold a meeting with BJP senior leaders and cabinet ministers in a couple of days and later an all-party meeting to take the final decision.

On Panchamasalis setting a deadline, he said there is no question of it, as the interim report of the state backward classes commission has reached the government and the announcement will be made after holding the all-party meeting as its many dimensions have to be discussed. “We should keep in mind the sensitivity of the issue as there might be aspirations from a community, but injustice should not be meted out to backward classes,” he said.

“Backward classes have over hundred castes and 200 sub-castes and it’s a complex issue that should be solved with a scientific approach and with experts’ reports,” he  said. On expanding his cabinet, Bommai said a detailed discussion was held and he gave information about the representation of different communities and regions in the cabinet. The decision will be taken soon, he added.

“They will let me know soon. We have moved two steps ahead as compared to my last visit,” he said.

Bommai said Shah will take part in a public rally in Mandya on December 30 and will meet party functionaries in Bengaluru on December 31. The repercussions of former minister Gali Janardhana Reddy launching his new political party was also discussed. Shah advised Bommai to maintain restraint on the Karnataka-Maharashtra border row, as the case is before the Supreme Court.

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday said precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 will be implemented in a phased manner without affecting the normal routine of common people and economic activities

Addressing the media at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi after the Cabinet meeting, Bommai said that the Cabinet discussed the prevailing pandemic situation and measures to be taken to contain its spread.

The meeting also decided to discuss with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to create awareness among people, ramp up administration of precautionary dose, and do more tests, especially for people suffering from Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and Influenza Like Illness (ILI), the mandatory wearing of masks inside and in public and implement other preventive steps in a phased manner, he said.

On issuing separate guidelines for New Year celebrations, Bommai said it will be like in the previous years, but with some additional measures in the wake of the rise in Covid cases in a few countries.

Bommai said the government wants the ongoing Belagavi session to be fruitful and issues pertaining to North Karnataka must be discussed in detail. The government is ready to discuss any issue taken up by the Opposition, he added.

MANGALURU: Five persons, including two women, were taken into custody by the Mangaluru city police in connection with the murder of Abdul Jaleel, 45, who was a store owner in Katipalla 4th Block, near Surathkal on Saturday night.

The police suspect Jaleel’s alleged closeness to a couple of women enraged some people who attacked and killed him. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai sought the cooperation of people in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in Katipalla by not heeding any rumours regarding Jaleel’s murder and said the police will conduct a fair investigation.

Jaleel was reportedly close to a woman, which led to a heated exchange between him and two other men on Saturday night. When the assailants attacked him, Jaleel tried to escape, but slipped and fell, and was stabbed to death.

There was a similar fight between Jaleel and some persons for being close to another woman, after which representatives of the two communities intervened, and the issue was resolved, the police said.

“We have taken two women and three men into custody,” a senior police officer said. Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar on Sunday refused to dwell on the motive behind the murder and said the police have to collect evidence to establish the motive.

Meanwhile, there was a commotion near Jaleel’s house in Katipalla when a group of family members refused to take his body to the funeral. They demanded that Deputy Commissioner MR Ravikumar visit their house and promise a speedy investigation.

Kumar held a discussion with the gathering, and assured them of a speedy investigation, after which the ambulance was allowed to travel to the masjid in Panjimogaru, where the last rites were performed.At the Mangaluru International Airport, Bommai called the murder unfortunate and urged people to maintain peace.

BELAGAVI: An interesting debate was held, particularly among the Bengaluru MLAs in the Assembly, over disposing of old government vehicles parked in front of offices in the state. Calling attention of the House on the issue on Friday, MLA B Harshavardhan said parking of unused vehicles in front of offices and the roadside creates space constraints, especially in cities.

He urged the government to declare them as scrap and generate income for the state exchequer by selling them. Several members echoed the same sentiment and some of them said the vehicles stocked in the police stations create congestion and affect smooth vehicular movement.

They urged the government to identify 5-10 acres of land on the city outskirts to dispose of such vehicles. Even, Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri said such vehicles should be sold, before being turned into scrap.

In reply, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J C Madhu Swamy said the government was framing a scrapping policy in line with the Central policy. However, for sale of unused government vehicles, there was a set procedure and as far as vehicles in front of police stations, it is for the court to decide.