Ready for ‘operation’ under high command’s guidance if BJP doesn’t get majority: R Ashoka

News Network

May 12, 2023

Bengaluru, May 12: Karnataka BJP leader and Revenue Minister R Ashoka has openly confessed that his party is ready for ‘operation kamala’ under the guidance of high command in case it doesn’t get majority in state assembly polls, the results of which will be out on May 13.

Speaking to a Kannada news channel, Ashoka exuded confidence that the BJP will form government, irrespective of whether they win a majority.

When asked what the party’s course of action would be if it is a hung assembly, Ashoka said, “We'll form a government. Don't ask how and when. We'll discuss with our central and state leaders about plan B on what to do.”

He further said, “This year, we are going to win the cup. With the high command's support, we will claim the trophy and emerge as the winners. Without any doubt, a double engine sarkar will come to Karnataka. We will win a majority, and if we don't, we'll take guidance from high command.”

He added, "If we don't get a majority, we'll start operations (karyacharane) with the guidance of high command.”

R Ashoka, who belongs to Vokkaliga community, is running for re-election for the fourth time from the Padmanabhanagar constituency in Bengaluru. He is also contesting from the Kanakapura constituency in Ramanagara against Congress leader DK Shivakumar.

The Karnataka Assembly has 224 seats, and a party or coalition needs to cross the halfway mark of 112 to form the government. In 2018, BJP won 104 seats, Congress 78 seats, and JD(S) 37 seats. After bye-elections in 2019, the BJP walked away with Congress and JD(S) legislators, and their numbers in the Assembly increased to 120, while the Congress was reduced to 69, and JD(S) 32.

This time, the Congress campaign has focused on the failings of the incumbent BJP. The BJP has sought to counter this by invoking the personality of the Prime Minister and the power of the ‘double engine’ government. The JD(S) has been appealing for a rejection of both national parties.

Most exit polls have projected a hung Assembly in Karnataka, two exit polls have predicted Congress will form the government.

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Demand for Mangaluru-Singapore direct flight gains momentum

News Network

September 13,2024

NRI professionals hailing from the coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka, now based in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Australia, have been urging the Indian government and airlines to introduce a direct flight between Mangalore International Airport (MIA) and Singapore’s Changi Airport.

These professionals argue that Singapore’s strategic location as a hub connecting India with East Asia makes this flight essential. They highlight that this route would serve over 12 million people from the coastal and hill regions of southern India, fostering stronger ties with East Asian economies.

The group, consisting of individuals from Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Shivamogga, and Hassan, is spearheaded by Rajesh H Acharya, director of HQ Connections Pte Ltd, Singapore, and coordinator of the Singapore Tuluver community. Acharya emphasized the significance of the Indian government’s Act East policy, which aims to strengthen relationships between India and ASEAN, East Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region.

“This flight will open new doors for cultural, trade, tourism, and technological exchanges between these regions,” Acharya said.

The Mangalore Chapter of IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) has also proposed positioning the region as the 'Silicon Beach of India.' A direct flight would provide greater opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors from both Singapore and Mangaluru, boosting business exchanges.

Moreover, Singapore’s Changi Airport could see increased tourism from the Karnataka coast, while Coastal Karnataka would benefit from a surge in visitors from ASEAN countries, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, and the US West Coast.

While a similar attempt in 2017 did not succeed, Acharya and his team are hopeful that this time their appeal will be taken seriously, tapping into the immense growth potential of the eastern half of the globe.

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