Stalin proposes Rahul Gandhi as PM candidate in 2019 elections

News Network
December 17, 2018

Chennai, Dec 17: Charging Prime Minister Narendra Modi with possessing “traits of a sadist”, DMK president M K Stalin on Sunday vowed to overthrow the BJP Government and proposed his Congress counterpart Rahul Gandhi for prime ministership in the 2019 general elections due in May.

Stalin made the proposal with top Opposition leaders like N Chandrababu Naidu and Pinnarayi Vijayan by his side at the unveiling of a bronze statue of late Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi, which the DMK converted into an “anti-BJP” gathering.

With the public endorsement, DMK has become the first party in the country to name Rahul Gandhi for the top post even as the Congress has not formally named him as its prime ministerial face. Stalin’s proclamation comes just days after the Congress breached the BJP’s fort in Hindi heartland by winning the assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

The DMK chief proposing Rahul Gandhi’s name for the PM’s post is politically significant since the Opposition bloc has so far shied away from naming its face, apparently to avoid the contest from being converted into a clash of personalities, which could prove advantageous to the BJP.

Always on the other side of the political spectrum for decades, the event also brought Sonia Gandhi and Naidu together – they were seated next to each other and were seen exchanging pleasantries.

Speakers at the public meeting at the DMK headquarters exhorted the need for Opposition parties to come together and defeat the “fascist” and "Nazist" BJP. Naidu, Rahul and Sonia recalled Tamil Nadu’s role in cobbling up coalitions at the Centre and asked the people to return the DMK-Congress alliance with all 39 Lok Sabha seats in 2019 polls.

Recalling his late father Karunanidhi’s statements asking late Indira Gandhi to provide a “stable leadership” in 1980 and exhorting Sonia Gandhi to lead the country in 2004 that spawned the UPA, Stalin proposed the candidature of Rahul Gandhi for 2019 polls.

“As the son of my father Karunanidhi, I propose that we will install a new prime minister in Delhi. I propose Rahul Gandhi for the post. He has the ability to defeat the fascist and Nazist Modi government. We will work to strengthen the hands of Rahul Gandhi,” Stalin said, followed by a thunderous applause from the audience.

In his strongest ever attack on Modi, Stalin accused him of possessing “traits of a sadist” who couldn't find time to visit Cyclone-affected areas in Tamil Nadu, while tweeting condolences messages to those died in unfortunate incidents in far-away countries like the United States.

“The government led by Mr Modi has turned India’s clock back 15 years. If he is allowed to rule another five years, the clock will turn back another 50 years. I have never used words like this (sadist) for any leader and I use it because the Prime Minister has no concern for Tamil Nadu. Would Modi afford not to visit states like Maharashtra if a tragedy of such magnitude (cyclone) had hit? Why such callous attitude towards Tamil Nadu?” Stalin asked.

Rahul Gandhi, in his speech, said the Opposition would not allow the “destruction” of institutions like the Election Commission, Supreme Court and Reserve Bank of India. “We will all stand together in the fight to overthrow the BJP Government,” he said.

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Agencies
March 28,2025

Udupi: Deputy Commissioner K. Vidya Kumari has directed officials to expedite land acquisition for designated industrial zones in the district to facilitate new industries. She issued these instructions during a meeting at Rajatadri on Wednesday.

Lands have been identified across various taluks for industrial development. The DC emphasized that KIADB must acquire these lands and ensure essential infrastructure—electricity, roads, and drainage—to attract industries and generate employment.

A total of 77 acres of private land has been acquired and compensated, including 31.2 acres in Kerebettu village, Hebri taluk, and 45.7 acres in Shivapura village. However, approval for 36.5 acres of government land is still pending. She instructed the forest department to assess whether this land falls under an eco-sensitive zone.

For the Belapu Industrial Area, the DC urged officials to accelerate minor land acquisitions for road expansion and commence construction at the earliest. She also mandated rainwater harvesting systems for all units in the Miyaru Industrial Area to tackle water scarcity.

Currently, 22 export-based units operate in the district. The DC encouraged further promotion of exports and an increase in their number.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director of Industries Nagraj V. Naik, KIADB Development Officer Srinivasa Murthy, Small-Scale Industries Association District President Harish Kunder, Deputy Director of the District Industrial Center Seetharam Shetty, District Skill Development Officer Arun B., and others.

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News Network
April 7,2025

nitin.jpg

Mangaluru, Apr 7: In a chilling and heart-wrenching turn of events from Nadugallu in Nalakuru village of Sullia taluk in Dakshina Kannada, a mother and son’s desperate act to end their lives has left a community in disbelief. The duo allegedly consumed rodent poison in a joint suicide attempt, resulting in the son’s death and leaving the mother in a critical condition.

The deceased has been identified as 32-year-old Nithin, son of Kushalappa Gowda of Derappajjanamane, Nalakuru. His mother, Sulochana, is currently battling for her life in a hospital. According to sources, the incident took place three days ago, with both victims falling severely ill by the morning of April 6.

Nithin, an ITI diploma holder, had been managing his family's agricultural land. He had married Deeksha, a guest lecturer at a local college, about a year ago. At the time of the tragic incident, Deeksha was reportedly staying at her parental home. During her absence, Nithin and Sulochana allegedly consumed poison in what is believed to be a premeditated act.

Well-known in the village for his kind demeanor and strong social ties, Nithin’s untimely death has cast a shadow of grief and shock across the local community. His father, Kushalappa Gowda, is also said to be ailing.

The Subrahmanya police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances leading to this devastating event.

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News Network
April 7,2025

Mangaluru, Apr 7: The long-standing demand for a separate Beary Development Corporation has hit a wall — the Karnataka government has officially stated that no such proposal is currently under consideration.

Beary-speaking people, mainly settled across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and parts of Kodagu, have been urging the government to set up a dedicated body for the welfare of their community and the promotion of their unique 1,200-year-old language. But during the recent legislative session, Minority Affairs Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan confirmed that his department has not received any proposal on this matter.

The clarification came in response to a question by MLC Ivan D’Souza, who highlighted the community’s cultural richness and a population of over 25 lakh. “The community has raised this demand several times to support education and social upliftment, but the government hasn’t taken any concrete steps,” he said.

In his reply, the minister pointed out that the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDC) already runs various welfare schemes for Muslim, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, and Parsi communities. Since Beary speakers are considered part of the Muslim community, they are eligible for benefits under these existing programs, he added.

Still, many in the Beary community feel that without a separate development body, their identity, language, and specific needs risk being overlooked.

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