With cabinet expansion on hold, dissent back in Congress

TNN

October 8, 2018

Bengaluru, Oct 8: The lull was brief. Dissent is again brewing in the Congress following the Election Commission’s announcement of byelections to the three Lok Sabha and two assembly seats in Karnataka. Leaders are peeved since the announcement has provided an opportunity for the party high command to postpone the much-awaited cabinet expansion.

While some leaders, who were aspirants for ministerial berths, are openly expressing dissatisfaction over the postponement, others are miffed over the pact with JD(S) for the byelections.

B C Patil, Congress MLA from Hirekerur, was the first to react. In a tweet on Sunday in which he tagged AICC president Rahul Gandhi, KPCC president Dinesh Gundurao, deputy chief minister G Parameshwara and former chief minister Siddaramaiah, the actor-turned-politician said: “Dragging the expansion of cabinet in Karnataka is an act of insult (sic) to legislators, killing democracy, upholding the dictatorship in the name of party.”

Earlier too, Patil had openly castigated the party for overlooking him the first time the H D Kumaraswamy cabinet was expanded.

The cabinet was set to be expanded between October 10 and 12. Several other leaders are aspiring to head boards and corporations. These posts were to be filled immediately after the cabinet was expanded.

Adding fuel to the fire, Congress leader and former minister N Cheluvarayaswamy said the Congress should not have a pact with the JD(S) for the Mandya Lok Sabha bypoll. “The party should look to fight independently in the best interest of the Congress,” he said.

Former Congress MLA C M Lingappa, who is sulking over the party’s decision to ally with JD(S) for the Ramanagara bypoll, is reportedly in talks with the BJP. Sources say he could switch to the saffron party in case it gives him the ticket.

However, Congress party sources say Lingappa will not join the BJP since he is a loyal Congressman, but he could ask his son Shekhar to support M Rudresh, the BJP’s likely candidate.

The opposition BJP is trying to exploit the trouble that has erupted in the Congress, following its decision to give up the constituency for JD(S), but is finding it hard to field a strong candidate.

JD(S) is likely to field Anita Kumaraswamy in Ramanagara. A bypoll has been necessitated following the resignation of chief minister Kumaraswamy, who was elected from two seats — Ramanagara and Channapatna.

Senior Congress leaders, who were upset with the party’s decision to postpone the cabinet expansion, reportedly met Siddaramaiah on Saturday to vent their anger.

“I will meet Rahul Gandhi and other leaders in New Delhi soon to convince them to go ahead with expanding the cabinet without worrying about the bypolls,” Siddaramaiah is reported to have assured them.

AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal will be in Bengaluru on Monday. He is scheduled to meet senior Congress leaders on Tuesday where a decision on whether to appoint chairpersons to boards and corporations will be taken.

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Philanthropist, Visionary Entrepreneur, A K Group Founder M Ahmed passes away

coastaldigest.com news network

October 8,2024

Mangaluru, Oct 8: The city of Mangaluru mourns the loss of M Ahmed, a pioneering businessman, philanthropist, and the Founder Chairman of the AK Group. He passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of service, innovation, and community building.

M Ahmed, also fondly known as A K Ahmed, was a man of humble beginnings who grew into one of the most respected entrepreneurs in South India. He founded the AK Group in 1984, which has since flourished into a multi-faceted business empire. The company, which began as a small frame manufacturing unit, now encompasses a wide range of industries, including plywood, formaldehyde, particle boards, fire-rated products, and more. AK Group's growth extended beyond India, with manufacturing units established in Myanmar and Vietnam.

What began with 18 employees in 1984 has today expanded to provide employment to approximately 3,000 people in India and 400 abroad. M Ahmed’s dedication and vision were instrumental in transforming the company into a market leader, recognized for its high-quality products and innovation. AK Plywood is now one of India’s top plywood manufacturers, and the largest in South India. The company was Karnataka’s first plywood manufacturer to receive ISO certification and has garnered prestigious awards, including the Rising Stars Power Brands Award in London (2017) and the Best Manufacturer Award from MSME Karnataka (2018).

Ahmed’s business success was deeply rooted in values instilled in him during his early years. He worked alongside his father, the late Abdul Khader Moopa, loading sawn timber, and it was from these humble beginnings that he developed his work ethic, pioneering spirit, and respect for time—values that remained the cornerstone of his remarkable career.

His foresight was evident when he recognized the potential of timber from Perumbavoor, Kerala, for plywood and blockboards at a time when it was merely being used as firewood. This strategic move led to the establishment of one of the first frame manufacturing and peeling units there, and soon after, Ahmed launched his own company in Mangaluru, swiftly earning national and international recognition.

Beyond plywood, the AK Group has diversified into multiple industries, including marine food, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, hypermarkets in India and the UAE, and food industries in Indonesia. Under Ahmed’s leadership, the company’s reach expanded, ensuring its position as a formidable player in various sectors.

Ahmed was not only an extraordinary businessman but also a deeply compassionate individual, dedicated to social and religious causes. He served as the founding president of the managing committee of Ihsan Masjid in Mangaluru and established the Highland Educational and Cultural Centre. His philanthropic efforts were as vast as his business ventures, benefiting countless communities both in India and abroad.

His kindness, simplicity, and punctuality were hallmarks of his character. Those who knew him admired his unyielding commitment to excellence, as well as his warmth and generosity. M Ahmed is survived by his wife, three daughters, and four sons, who continue his legacy of philanthropy and social service.

As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from all sectors of society. Social, religious, and political leaders in Mangaluru expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of a man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others.

M Ahmed’s journey from humble beginnings to massive success will continue to inspire generations. His life serves as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and, above all, integrity.

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