Former Mayor Ashraf quits Congress, rejoins, quits, joins, quits, joins, quits…

[email protected] (CD Network)
January 8, 2014
Mangalore, Jan 8: Former mayor of Mangalore City Corporation K Ashraf has created a new record in Dakshina Kananda district Congress by quitting the party for maximum number of times.

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Mr Ashraf, who had played the resignation cards at least four times in last couple of years for different reasons, now once again decided to bid adieu to the party, following the appointment of S M Rashid Haji as the new chairman of Dakshina Kannada Waqf Advisory Committee.

On Tuesday night Mr Ashraf conveyed his latest decision to minister for environment, forest, ecology and DK district in-charge B Ramanath Rai, who also holds the position of District Congress president, over phone. Later, he formally sent in his resignation papers to Rai and KPCC President G Parameshwara, by fax.

Holding party leadership in the district responsible for appointing “an outsider” as the chairman of the Waqf Committee, Mr Ashraf said that such move not only would hurt the party workers who have stood by the party in the thick and thin of political developments, but also create rift within the party.

Stating that Rashid Haji has done nothing to the Congress party except being a well-wisher, Mr Ashraf said that there are many active members in the district Congress, who deserve the post.

Mr Ashraf also recalled that when BJP government was in power in the state, they had appointed a party worker as the head of Wakf Board.

It could be recalled here that Mr Ashraf had formally resigned from the party many a times for different reasons including alleged “dictatorship” of party stalwart B Janadhan Poojary and lack of support from the party leaders. However, he had subsequently reentered the party following negotiations.

“I will reconsider my resignation only if the party reconsiders its decision over Rashid Haji,” said Mr Ashraf when asked whether he would return to the party once again.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: Public transport in Mangaluru is set for a state-led transformation as the government moves to deploy 100 new electric govt buses to replace unreliable private services. The initiative aims to provide a dependable alternative to private operators who have been frequently "cutting trips," leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

The announcement was made by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV during a public phone-in session. The move specifically targets routes where private bus service has become erratic, ensuring that citizens no longer have to rely on a fluctuating private sector for their daily commute.

Restoring the Govt Presence

The transport crisis was brought to the forefront by Ramayya, a resident of Bajal, who highlighted a growing trend of private buses skipping morning and night trips. With the previous KSRTC (govt) services discontinued, residents have been left without a fallback option.

To fix this, the DC confirmed that the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme will bring 100 government-owned electric buses to the city:

•    Phased Deployment: The first 50 of the new 100 government buses are scheduled to arrive by March 2026.

•    State Infrastructure: Two new government depots, including one at Mudipu, are being prepared for operations.

•    Recruitment: The state has already begun training a new batch of government bus drivers to ensure the fleet is operational the moment it arrives.

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News Network
December 23,2025

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As part of her European tour, Karnataka Legislative Council Member and Vice Chairperson of the Karnataka NRI Forum, Dr. Arathi Krishna, met Michela Favaro, Deputy Mayor of Turin, to discuss key aspects of strengthening relations between Karnataka and Italy.

Dr. Arathi Krishna held the meeting along with Hemegowda, President of the Italy Kannada Association, and Mohamed Irshath, General Secretary for Europe of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC).

The discussions focused on opportunities for the recruitment of Indian healthcare professionals in Italy, European–Italian language training programmes for Indian students, and broader avenues for academic and professional collaboration between the two countries.

The meeting was also attended by Simone Fissolo, President of the Moderati Council, along with Maria Bottoglieri and Francesco Tortorella, highlighting the growing institutional engagement aimed at fostering deeper bilateral cooperation.

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News Network
December 23,2025

Mangaluru: As many as 22 affiliated private degree colleges under Mangalore University (MU) will be shut down voluntarily after they failed to seek renewal of affiliation, primarily due to poor student enrolment and operational constraints. The decision was taken at a recent Academic Council meeting of the university.

The 22 colleges are:

Aaba Women’s First Grade College, Surathkal

Anjuman First Grade College, Mangaluru

Amrutha College, Padil

Silicon College of Advance Studies, Konchady

Moegling Institute of German Language, Balmatta

Sarsa College of Arts and Science, Mangaluru

Rosario College of Management Studies, Bolar

Karavali College of Education, Mangaluru

Premakanthi College of Education, Mangaluru

Sapientia Bethany First Grade College, Nelyadi

Sri Sharada Women’s College, Sullia

Ramakunjeshwara College, Ramakunja

Hazaratha Sayad Madani Banatha Women’s College, Ullal

St. Sebastian College of Commerce, Ullal

St. Thomas College, Belthangady

Mar Ivanios College, Kadaba

Madhava Pai College, Manipal

Mookambika First Grade College, Byndoor

Varasiddhi Vinayaka First Grade College, Kundapur

B.D. Shetty College of Business Management, Udupi

Vidyanikethana First Grade College, Kaup

Krishnabai Vasudeva Shenoy Memorial College, Katpady

Vice-Chancellor Prof. P.L. Dharma said principals of the affected colleges informed the university that they were compelled to suspend admissions for several courses after failing to secure the prescribed minimum number of students. Consequently, the managements opted for voluntary closure under Section 65 of the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000.

Apart from low enrolment, other administrative and financial factors also contributed to the decision to shut down the colleges, the Vice-Chancellor said. He clarified that the closures will not affect students who are already enrolled and currently pursuing their studies. The colleges have been directed to continue providing all student-related services, including verification of marks cards and academic records.

After the closure of these 22 colleges, the total number of colleges affiliated to Mangalore University will stand at 167, comprising 109 private colleges, 32 government colleges, nine autonomous colleges, 13 BEd colleges, and four constituent colleges.

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