Bengaluru: KPCC President and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar made a call to Niranjan Hiremath, the father of murder victim Neha Hiremath, to offer his condolences on Sunday.

“We are shocked by the incident too. We grieve with your family, and the government stands by you. The guilty shall be surely punished,” D K Shivakumar assured Hiremath. He further assured the distraught father that strict action under the law would be taken against the accused.

D K Shivakumar made the call during a campaign for Bengaluru Rural Congress candidate D K Suresh, his brother. He expressed his inability to visit Hubli due to preplanned campaigns and assured Hiremath of a visit once the elections were completed, reports stated.

Neha Hiremath, a 23 year old MCA student, was stabbed to death by her former classmate Fayaz Khondunaik in the campus of BVB College, Hubli on April 18. Niranjan Hiremath, her father, is a Congress Councillor of Hubballi-Dharwad Muncipal Corporation. The case caused huge uproar across the state and has seen numerous protests urging severe measures against Neha’s killer. BJP has accused a ‘love jihad’ angle to the case which has been refuted by the State government.

Chitradurga: The dead bodies of a 40-year-old woman and her 22-year-old daughter, who were staying with their family at the Tipperudraswamy Ashram on Turuvanooru Road, were found inside the sump of the Ashram on Tuesday night.

The women have been identified as Geetha and her daughter Priyanka, who were natives of Bhadravathi. The duo reportedly worked at the Tipperudraswamy Temple in Chitradurga, with the family, including Geetha’s husband and son, residing at the Ashram.

On Tuesday evening, the men were out of the Ashram premises and learned of Geetha and Priyanka’s death when they returned at night, the local police officers have said.

Mysuru (Karnataka): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called the Congress “the sultan of tukde tukde gang”, as he accused the opposition party of having the dangerous intention to “divide, break and weaken” the country.

He was addressing a mega public meeting at Maharaja’s college ground here aimed at drumming up support for BJP and JD(S) candidates from Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Hassan Lok Sabha constituencies.

“This is a land where mothers dream about sending their children to armed forces in the service of the nation. On the other hand, there is a Congress party which is going around becoming the ‘Sultan of tukde tukde gang’. The dangerous intention of Congress to divide, break and weaken the country is still the same,” Modi claimed.

JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was among those who shared the dais with Modi in a show of strength by the NDA.

The JD(S) joined the NDA in September last year. Of the total 28 seats in Karnataka, BJP is contesting in 25 and the JD(S) in three, including neighbouring Mandya.

“In Karnataka, NDA has the guidance of senior leaders like H D Deve Gowda and (BJP leader B S) Yediyurappa and cooperation of (JD(S) leader) H D Kumaraswamy”, Modi said.

Modi claimed that the Congress has crossed “all the limits of hating the country”.

“People of Karnataka are witness that those who speak against India, Congress as a reward gives them an election ticket. Recently you might have seen at a Congress election rally a person made people shout ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ slogan, but before doing it, he had to seek the permission of leaders sitting on the stage,” the prime minister said.

Questioning whether one requires permission to say ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, he asked, “Will the country, Karnataka, Mysuru forgive such a Congress? First opposed ‘Vande Mataram’ and now hesitated to say ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’. This is the height of Congress’s downfall.”

Scion of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar is the BJP candidate in the coming Lok Sabha elections here. Deve Gowda’s son, former Chief Minister and JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy is contesting from Mandya.

Karnataka is very important for the BJP as it’s the only state in South India where the party has had held power.

In the 2019 general elections, BJP bagged 25 seats, while an independent backed by the party also emerged victorious.

The Congress and JD(S) which fought the polls in an alliance back then secured just one seat each.

Accusing the Congress of playing with fire for the sake of power, the PM said that at the time when India’s stature is increasing globally, Congress leaders going abroad are not leaving any opportunity to project India in poor light.

“The country gives a befitting reply to its enemies, but Congress seeks evidence for ‘surgical strikes’ from the army. Congress is working with a political wing of a banned organisation which is involved in terror activities,” he alleged.

Claiming that an “open game” of appeasement is on in the country, Modi alleged that efforts are on to put a stop to fairs and festivals.

“Will you give the country’s administration into the hands of those playing this game of vote bank politics?” he asked, as he hit out at the Congress and INDIA bloc for “boycotting” the Ram Mandir consecration at Ayodhya by rejecting the invitation, which “insulted our faith”.

Alleging that the INDIA alliance people want to “end Sanatan”, and “destroy Hindu Dharma’s Shakti”, the PM said, “Until there is Modi, and he has your blessings, these forces of hate will never be successful. This is Modi’s guarantee.”

Karnataka is going to the polls in two phases. While polling for 14 Lok Sabha segments in the southern part of the state will be held on April 26, the second phase of voting in northern districts will be held on May 7.

Mangaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a massive road show in this coastal city of Karnataka, waving at an enthusiastic large crowd along the route.

Standing on a specially designed vehicle, Modi greeted the people gathered on the sides of the roads and on nearby buildings, many of whom were seen chanting ‘Modi, Modi’, ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ slogans, amid loud cheers and sounds of drum beat, in what appeared to be a festive atmosphere in several places.

People showered flower petals as his cavalcade passed through the stretch from Narayana Guru circle to Nava Bharat circle in the city in Dakshina Kannada district, which is a BJP stronghold.

The Prime Minister, who was wearing a saffron cap and holding a lotus symbol, was accompanied by Dakshina Kannada BJP Lok Sabha candidate Captain Brijesh Chowta and party nominee for neighbouring Udupi-Chikmagalur seat Kota Srinivas Poojary.

Shivamogga (Karnataka): Rebel BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa on Friday filed his nomination from Shivamogga for the May 7 Lok Sabha polls as an independent candidate to take on official party nominee B Y Raghavendra, who is seeking reelection from the segment.

In Kalaburagi, Radhakrishna Doddamani, son-in-law of Congress President M Mallikarjun Kharge, also filed his papers. He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress chief D K Shivakumar.

Raghavendra is the son of BJP veteran and member of the party’s Parliamentary Board and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa.

BJP leaders had appealed to Eshwarappa to desist from contesting but he remained steadfast on his decision.

Eshwarappa, who had also served as the party’s state unit president, is miffed over his son K E Kanthesh being denied the ticket from the neighbouring Haveri segment.

The 75-year-old had alleged that Yediyurappa had promised to get the ticket for his son but betrayed him.

Eshwarappa, who has raised a banner of revolt against the party’s state unit, has repeatedly attacked the Lingayat strongman Yediyurappa, saying the BJP is in the grip of his family.

Karnataka is going to the polls in two phases. While 14 Lok Sabha segments in the southern parts of the state will vote on April 26, the remaining 14 constituencies in the northern parts will vote in the second phase on May 7.

Bengaluru: The nomination process for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka begins today, with the notification for the election of 14 constituencies set to be released on Friday.

In Kalaburagi reserve constituency, Congress’s Radhakrishna Doddamani is expected to file nomination papers on the first day, with AICC president Mallikarjuna Kharge, KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar, and others in attendance. E. Tukaram will also file his nomination in the Bellary reserved constituency on Friday.

Prominent candidates in the second phase include former CMs Jagdish Shettar in Belagavi, Basavaraj Bommai in Haveri Constituency, and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in Dharwad Constituency, all representing the BJP.

Voting in the second phase will be held in constituencies such as Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Davanagere, Kalyana, and Kittur. The BJP-JDS alliance has shared constituencies, with no constituencies ceded to JDS in the second phase, leading to direct competition between Congress and BJP in all 14 constituencies. However, there is a possibility of a three-way contest if candidates who have shown rebellion in four constituencies file their nomination papers.

The ruling Congress in the state and the ruling BJP at the centre consider this election a matter of prestige, especially in constituencies like Shivaogga and Dharwad for BJP, and Bagalkote and Davangere for Congress.

Phase 2 Constituencies:

Chikkodi, Belagavi, Bagalkote, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Bidar, Koppal, Bellary, Haveri, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, Davangere, and Shivamogga.

Rlection Schedule:

– April 12 – Notification
– April 19 – Last day for submission of nomination papers
– April 20 – Scrutiny of nomination papers
– April 22 – Last day to withdraw nomination papers
– May 7 – Voting
– June 4 – Counting of votes

Surpur By-election:

The notification for the by-election of Surpura ST reserved constituency will also be released on Friday (A.12), with the General Election 2nd phase schedule in the state applicable for this by-election.

Bengaluru: Incumbent Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh, who was denied a ticket by the BJP, on Friday said she would reveal her future course of action in the coming days after discussing with her supporters.

The multi-lingual film actress-turned-politician reiterated that BJP should have reserved the seat for itself instead of giving it to its ally Janata Dal (Secular) in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Speaking to reporters after an hour-long discussion with the BJP state president and Shikaripura MLA B Y Vijayendra, Sumalatha said, “Vijayendra expressed his opinion and expectations. I too told him about my concerns for the district and election. He asked me to join the party as he wanted me to remain with the BJP.”

“Tomorrow I my supporters are coming. I told him that I will not take any decision unilaterally without consulting my supporters. It is my duty to listen to their expectations and opinion. I told him that I will make my stand clear in Mandya itself,” Sumalatha said.

The Mandya MP had contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election as an independent candidate with the BJP’s support defeating former Prime Minister and JD(S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda’s grandson Nikhil Kumaraswamy.

She was expecting a BJP ticket to seek re-election from Mandya. However, the BJP forged an alliance with JD(S) last year in September and as per the seat-sharing deal, decided to give Mandya, Kolar and Hassan to its ally.

Now, JD(S) has decided to field former Chief Minister and Deve Gowda’s son H D Kumaraswamy from Mandya.

Sumalatha said she wanted BJP to retain Mandya with itself so that it could have given a tough fight in the election and made its presence felt to the people of the region.

“Now there is no point to discuss things which have already happened. I will surely reveal my future course of action in the coming days,” the MP said.

Regarding Kumaraswamy’s wish to meet her, Sumalatha said she had no objection to meeting him.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Sumalatha, Vijayendra said she had responded to his request. However, she told him that she will reveal her future course of action after discussing with her supporters.

“I am of the firm belief that she will remain with us and strengthen our party. She may feel that this could be her defeat but I told her that everything will set right,” the BJP state chief said.

Mangaluru: Veteran actor Prakash Raj emphasized the responsibility of the majority to protect the minority in a democracy while inaugurating a convention of citizen-centric Kannada groups organized by the ‘Eddelu Karnataka’ organization at ‘Sahodaya’ in Balmatta, Mangaluru on Monday.

Taking a dig at Prime Minister Modi for the electoral bonds scam, Prakash Raj criticized the alleged intimidation tactics used by the government against corrupt individuals. He highlighted the importance of raising awareness among the public regarding such issues and urged people to contemplate the implications of buying elected governments with money power.

Sharing his personal experience of an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid, Prakash Raj recounted being questioned for 13 hours without any incriminating evidence being found. He emphasized his commitment to honesty and integrity, stating that he is accountable to the trust placed in him by the people.

“Despite this, I have received a notice from Coimbatore court. I won’t be afraid over such matters. My honesty can’t be questioned. You need to be afraid of nothing if you are truthful and honest. I don’t have to bow my head in shame before my loving family. What matters in not my wealth, but the trust bestowed upon me. I am not the worker of any party, but I am pro-people. And I will always work to strengthen their trust”, he stated.

Reflecting on the BJP’s loss in the last elections, Prakash Raj attributed it to the disruption of people’s peace and patience. He commended the efforts of ‘Eddelu Karnataka’ in exposing the alleged anti-people stance of the government and urged them to continue their work in service of the people.

Reinterpreting the legend of Punyakoti for modern times, Prakash Raj urged the audience to embody the spirit of compassion and empathy by helping those in need.

Addressing the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, ‘Eddelu Karnataka’ State leader K L Ashok expressed confidence in their ability to secure victory. He highlighted the dedication of Prakash Raj and emphasized the importance of their contributions in shaping the election outcomes.

Reflecting on the inception of ‘Eddelu Karnataka’, ‘Ashirvad Training Centre’ Director Father Arun Louis highlighted the organization’s commitment to humanity and its role in bringing about political change.

Moderator Yasin Shirur emphasized that ‘Eddelu Karnataka’ is neither a political organization nor a mouthpiece for any party, but rather stands for the welfare of the people.

Various speakers, including political leader P V Mohan and Jamat-e-Islami Hind state leader Muhammad Kunhi, addressed the gathering on different topics related to the region. Former DySP T C M Shareef presided over the event, while D K Lok Sabha candidate Padmaraj Ramaiah sought cooperation from all attendees. Writer M G Heggade and KPCC Secretary Inayath Ali were also present, with Nisar Ahmed moderating the proceedings.

Mangaluru: On Monday, Muneer Katipalla, the state president of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), leveled allegations against Mangaluru MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, accusing him of involvement in a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) scam. Katipalla called upon the state government to halt the proceedings and initiate an investigation into the matter.

Katipalla highlighted concerns regarding the TDR process, stating that under normal circumstances, land transactions must involve the direct participation of the legitimate landowner. However, he questioned the Mangaluru Municipality’s acquisition of 10.8 acres of land adjacent to the Pachanadi waste dump through an agreement holder named Giridhar Shetty.

Allegations surfaced suggesting that Shetty had entered into an agreement with the actual landowner to purchase the property for a total sum of 7 crores, with an initial advance payment of 1 crore already made. However, Katipalla revealed discrepancies in the TDR land sale agreement, indicating an inflated valuation of 50 crores. This, according to him, implied an intent to invest a nominal amount while unlawfully profiting from a significant margin.

Katipalla further implicated Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner Mansoor Ali, alleging that Ali, upon recognizing the technical irregularities in the deal, refused to endorse the agreement and pledged to inform the government. However, purportedly under pressure from MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, Ali was coerced into signing the document. Subsequently, Ali’s resistance reportedly triggered an investigation by the Lokayukta against him.

Demanding a comprehensive inquiry into the matter, Katipalla urged the government to probe the alleged malpractice and bring those responsible to justice.

Mansoor Ali and Muhammad Saleem

Mangaluru: A court on Monday sent Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner Mansoor Ali and broker Muhammad Saleem to 14-day judicial custody.

The duo were arrested by the city Lokayukta Police on Saturday (March 23) on charges of demanding Rs 25 Lakh bribe from a businessman to issue a transferable development rights (TDR) certificate near Mangala Stadium.