BJP, JDS strike electoral deal for LS, MLC polls in Karnataka

Bangalore, Aug 7: BJP today withdrew its candidates from Mandya and Bangalore Rural Lok Sabha seat where bypolls would be held on August 21 in an apparent understanding with the JDS, a move that evoked sharp reaction from Congress that launched a frontal attack on H D Deve Gowda-led "family party".

Bangalore South BJP MLA M Krishnappa pulled out from Bangalore Rural, while K S Doreswamy did so in Mandya on the last day of withdrawals, leaving the field to a direct fight between the Congress and JDS.

In a quid pro quo, JDS did not field candidates for August 22 Legislative Council poll from Dharwad, Chitradurga and Mysore Local Authorities constituencies, apparently in favour of the BJP.

JDS was coy about the "understanding" and refused to publicly acknowledge that it has entered into electoral alliance with the BJP, which however has admitted that the former had mooted such a proposal.

While the former Prime Minister Deve Gowda insisted earlier this week that there is no truck with the BJP, his son and state unit President H D Kumaraswamy maintained that his party's primary objective is to defeat the Congress.

After getting elected to legislative Assembly in May, Kumarswamy had resigned his Bangalore Rural seat, while his party colleague N Cheluvarayaswamy from Mandya Lok Sabha seat, necessitating the byelections.

JDS had won three Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka in the 2009 elections -- Bangalore Rural, Mandya and Hassan, which is represented by Deve Gowda, and sees the byelections as a "prestigious battle" and "question of its survival".

For its part, BJP leaders say in private that the party does not fancy a chance to win in both Mandya and Bangalore Rural and does not want to cut a "sorry figure" if it were to get a poor vote share and terms the move to join hands with the JDS as a "political strategy".

JDS has fielded Kumarswamy's wife Anita from Bangalore Rural and C S Puttaraju from Mandya, pitting them against D K Suresh, brother of former Minister D K Shivakumar, and cine actor Ramya, respectively.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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