Will coastal Karnataka get CM post after two decades?

[email protected] (CD Network)
July 29, 2011

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Mangalore, July 29: Will the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi pop up the next chief minister of Karnataka?

Although there are some big names doing the rounds including that of Ananth Kumar, Jagadeesh Shettar and KS Eshwarappa – the three names considered to be the dark horses are from the coastal districts.

Udupi-Chikmagalur MP DV Sadananda Gowda appears to have grabbed the pole position among the three local contenders with Shobha Karandlaje, also from Puthur, and Dr. V.S. Acharya waiting in the wings.

The last chief minister to emerge from the coastal belt was Veerappa Moily in 1992-94, who had to demit office after JDS emerged victorious in the subsequent Assembly elections, leading to the installation of HD Devegowda's government.

With BS Yeddyurappa continuing his bargaining exercise with the party high command the probability of former Mangalore MP Sadananda Gowda becoming the next chief minister has increased even as the BJP legislative party is scheduled to meet later in the day to elect the new leader.

Yeddyurappa appeared to have given in when he sent off the resignation letter to Nitin Gadkar, the BJP national president on Thursday night, but the conditions laid down by the Lingayat strongman has become a big headache for the party.

He has insisted that he would resign only on 31st of July and reminded the high command once again that he had toiled hard to bring the party to power in Karnataka over the last 30 years. He has also held a meeting of MLAs and MPs in Bangalore at his residence early on Friday.

Though the names of Jagadish Shettar, KS Eshwarappa, Ananth Kumar and Shobha Karandlaje are doing the rounds, the tainted chief minister is adamant that he should be given the right to choose his successor, given the long legal battle the Shikaripur MLA is likely to face once he demit s office in the wake of sever indictment by the Lokayukta over the issue of illegal mining.

It is also learn that giving the mantle to heavyweights like Shettar, Eshwarappa and Ananth Kumar would be a risky exercise because of his ongoing political rivalry with all the three leaders.

By hoisting Sadananda Gowda, the Chikmagalur-Udupi MP, Yeddyurappa wants to keep the remote control of the government with him and also ensure that he remains the unquestioned leader of the Lingayat community.

Another major condition laid down by Yeddyurappa appears to be that he be made the State president of the party. Although, the party highcommand is not averse to such an idea, a section of the party high command and also the RSS, believes that making the tainted chief minister the face of the party in Karnataka will sully the image of the party when elections are just a couple of years away.

Making Yeddyurappa the party president would also be a risky proportion for the party in the event of him being dragged to court and prosecuted by the Lokayukta over the mining report.

The high command will also have to face an embarrassing situation in the event of him being made the party president, with Congress likely to go for the jugular questioning the moral right of the BJP to talk about corruption.

The chances of Sandananda Gowda emerging as the surprise candidate has also brightened by the fact that he had been summoned by the high command, who held wide-ranging discussions during his stay in Delhi.

Interestingly, Mr Gowda also was closeted at chief minister's residence on Friday morning for a couple of hours giving credence to the claim that he is Yeddyurappa's candidate for the coveted post.

However, it is also speculated in some quarters that he is trying to hoist Gowda as the candidate to pave the way for Shobha Karandlaje to be made the chief minister in the event of a strong opposition emerging from the party legislators that the coveted position must go to a legislator and not an MP. The proximity of Shobha to the beleagured cheif minister is well documented and the lone woman minister in the cabinet had conducted a special pooja at Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore and had climbed the thousand-odd steps bare-footed even as Yeddyurappa was facing the biggest crisis of his life.

Emerging from the meeting with Yeddyurappa, Gowda refused to talk to the media, but has already maintained that he would happily take up any responsibility the high command gives him.

Yeddyurappa's strong preference towards Sadananda Gowda also stems from the fact that he belongs to the Vokkaliga community and this would help him take on the mighty H.D. Kumaraswamy and

However, Gowda does not have the pristine image that the BJP national executive is being led to believe by his supporters. Gowda allegedly encroached upon 20 acres of forest land in Sullia taluk, Mangalore violating several laws in the process. A complaint was filed with the Loyayukta.

Another candidate from the Mangalore-Udupi region, who could be catapulted to the top job is Dr. V. S. Acharya. A seasoned politician, Acharya has been a veteran of sorts and considered to the RSS representative in the government.

He also has a clout in the high command and the party old guards including Advani and Joshi would back him if the party decides to go for a candidate with a clean image. Making Acharya, a Brahimin, the chief minister will also be seen as the party acknowledging the unflinching loyalty shown by the upper castes to the saffron party over the last few decades.



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News Network
January 8,2025

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Mangaluru: The Tannirbhavi beach stretch up to the forest department's Tree Park is on the brink of a remarkable transformation under the ‘One Beach, One Destination’ initiative. This ambitious project aims to elevate the beach into a top-tier tourist hotspot through comprehensive upgrades and strategic developments.

Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP shared updates during a press briefing on Tuesday, revealing that fresh tenders have been floated for maintaining the main beach. The technical evaluation of tenders for the Tannir Bhavi Blue Flag Beach is nearing completion, with the financial bids set to open shortly. “We are pleased to see major players participating in the tender process,” the DC remarked.

For the main beach, the maintenance contract will span 10 years. Meanwhile, the Blue Flag Beach’s successful bidder will face a progressive financial model—starting with a Rs 50 lakh payment in the first year, escalating to Rs 2 crore by the 10th year, alongside a minimum 5% revenue share for the administration. “Upon completion of the development, the beach will feature continuous activities to enhance its appeal,” he added.

Approximately 90% of the beach’s development work is already complete. Eco-friendly initiatives such as waste management systems and solar installations are operational at the Blue Flag Beach. While entrance work by Mangaluru Smart City Limited is ongoing, the beach remains accessible to the public. Entry fees, set in accordance with Blue Flag guidelines, aim to support sustainable maintenance efforts.

The ‘Blue Flag’ certification represents a global standard in eco-tourism, ensuring clean bathing water, state-of-the-art amenities, safety measures, and sustainable development. Karnataka’s Padubidri and Kasarkod beaches are among the few in India to hold this prestigious certification.

Mangaluru Smart City Limited is spearheading the development of the 1.8-acre area, with an investment of approximately Rs 16 crore. Once completed, the Tannirbhavi Beach is expected to stand out as a vibrant and eco-friendly destination, drawing tourists and locals alike.

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News Network
January 7,2025

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Mangaluru: A tragic road accident claimed the life of a young medical store owner on Monday, January 6, near Tiblapadavu, Natekallu, located on the outskirts of the city.

The victim, identified as 25-year-old Ausaf, was the proprietor of Hajira Medicals and the son of Jaleel, a resident of Derlakatte. 

The unfortunate incident unfolded as Ausaf was riding his bike from Derlakatte toward Tiblapadavu. Upon approaching a divider near Tiblapadavu, a lorry made a sudden turn, resulting in a collision between the motorbike and the rear of the lorry. Ausaf succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

Having completed his education a few years ago, Ausaf had taken up the responsibility of managing Hajira Medicals at Derlakatte Junction. He was well-known in his community for his dedication and service.

Authorities at the Mangaluru South Traffic Police Station have registered a case, and CCTV footage capturing the incident is under review. The tragic loss has left the local community in shock, mourning the untimely demise of a promising young entrepreneur. 

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News Network
January 8,2025

Bengaluru: In a sweeping anti-corruption operation, the Karnataka Lokayukta conducted simultaneous raids on the properties of eight government officials across eight districts on Wednesday. The raids, part of ongoing investigations into disproportionate assets cases, targeted over 20 locations linked to these officials.

According to Lokayukta sources, the coordinated operation spanned Bengaluru, Mandya, Bidar, Belagavi, Tumakuru, Gadag, Ballari, and Raichur. Properties of the following officials were under scrutiny:

Shobha – Joint Commissioner, Bengaluru Transport Department

S. N. Umesh – Health and Family Welfare Officer, Kadur

Ravindra – Inspector, Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development Sub-Division, Bidar

Prakash Sridhar Gaikwad – Tahsildar, Khanapur

S. Raju – Retired RTO Officer, Tumakuru

Huchesh alias Huchappa – Assistant Executive Engineer, Gadag Municipality

R. H. Lokesh – Welfare Officer, Backward Class Department, Ballari

Huliraja – Junior Engineer (Electric), Raichur

Lokayukta officials are thoroughly examining documents, assets, cash, and other valuables found during the raids.

This operation is the Lokayukta’s first major crackdown in 2025. Notably, on December 12, the watchdog had unearthed disproportionate assets worth Rs 48.55 crore in raids on properties belonging to 10 government officials.

The Lokayukta’s intensified efforts signal its commitment to curbing corruption and ensuring accountability among government officials.

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