Support to Modi, not BJP, says Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi

safia@coastaldigest.com (CD Network, Photos by Suresh Vamanjoor)
April 15, 2014

Mangalore, Apr 15: With two days left for Karnataka to vote in the 16th Lok Sabha elections, Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, former Hindutva leader who spearheaded the Justice for Soujanya' movement in the district and shot to fame a year ago, has extended his support to BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in the elections.

Addressing mediapersons at a press conference here on Tuesday, he said that Praja Prabhutva Vedike, the forum led by him, had decided to support the BJP. “I have decided to extend my support to the BJP, but this decision has no connection with the fight for justice for Soujanya, which remains apolitical. However, this is my personal stand as the founder of the Vedike and I have not bowed down to any political pressure,” he said, adding that he had no faith in any other candidate or political party contesting in the elections.

Maintaining that his decision to support Modi was not politically motivated, he told media persons that he supported Modi with the notion that he would give a good governance to the country if he became the Prime Minister. “There is no confusion over my stand. I will not join any political party till we get justice in the case of Soujanya,” he said, adding that the struggle for justice in Soujanya case was an independent movement, and unlike other parties, he was not using the issue as a platform for any political recognition or gain.

Denying the rumour that he had decided to support the BJP following negotiations with RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, he said that the rumour was false. “I have merely supported the BJP candidate since they sought my support,” he explained, adding that he had made the decision to publicly back Narendra Modi after he was approached by Prabhakar Bhat and BJP Lok Sabha candidate Nalin Kumar Kateel.

He added that he had participated in campaigning for the local BJP candidate in a couple of campaign meetings.

Soujanya case handed to CBI not by state government'

Mr Thimarodi said that although the Soujanya case was handed over to the CBI for investigation, he had no information about the current state of the probe.

He denied that the Congress state government had handed over the case to CBI, claiming that it was taken up suo moto' by the central investigation agency.

Thimarody_3

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News Network
February 20,2025

Bengaluru: Starting March, households in Karnataka will feel the pinch as the price of Nandini milk is set to increase by ₹5 per litre. The hike, which will take effect after the state budget on March 7, will also see a reduction in milk packet quantity from 1,050 ml to 1 litre. With this revision, the cost of a litre of Nandini toned milk will rise to ₹47.

This marks the latest price revision by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) in the past three years. In 2022, milk prices increased by ₹3 per litre, while in 2024, KMF raised prices by ₹2 per packet but increased the quantity by 50 ml. However, KMF insists that last year’s change was not a price hike, as it involved a proportional increase in milk volume.

The increase in milk prices comes amid multiple price hikes across essential commodities and services. The Coffee Brewers Association has announced a ₹200 per kg hike in coffee powder rates by March, while BMTC bus and Namma Metro ticket fares have also been increased. Additionally, the state government is considering a rise in water tariffs, and electricity supply companies (Escoms) have sought approval for a 67-paise hike per unit from the Karnataka Electricity Commission.

According to KMF Managing Director B. Shivaswamy, the hike follows demands from farmers for a ₹5 per litre increase. "Earlier, we procured 85-89 lakh litres of milk per day, sometimes even 99 lakh litres. Now, the supply has dropped to 79-81 lakh litres per day, so the additional milk provided to consumers will stop," he explained.

Despite the price increase, Shivaswamy emphasized that Nandini milk will still be more affordable than other brands in Karnataka and other states, including those sold online. KMF is currently in discussions with farmer unions, milk unions, employee associations, and other stakeholders to determine how the increased revenue will be allocated.

"Ideally, the additional cost should benefit farmers. However, concerns raised by employee unions over financial matters, including 7th Pay Commission wages and pensions, also need to be factored in," said a KMF official on the condition of anonymity.

The final decision on the milk price hike now rests with the Karnataka Chief Minister, with an official announcement expected post-budget.

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News Network
February 20,2025

boy.jpg

Puttur, Feb 20: In a heartbreaking incident a 13-year-old boy died by suicide at Tannirupanta village in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada. 

The deceased has been identified as Shravan, a Class 7 student at a private school in Uppinangady. He was the son of Dombayya Gowda. 

According to reports, Shravan had dinner with his mother on Tuesday night (February 18), which included a chicken dish prepared by his aunt. 

After his mother fell asleep, he is believed to have taken his own life by hanging himself from a ceiling fan. Disturbingly, he had saved some of the chicken dish for the next day’s meal and had gathered flower buds for morning prayers, making the incident even more puzzling.

Described as a cheerful and well-liked student, Shravan showed no apparent signs of distress, leaving family, friends, and teachers shocked by his tragic decision. He is survived by his parents and a sister.

As a mark of respect, his school organized a silent prayer to honor his memory.

Mental health matters. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help. Call the toll-free helpline at 9152987821. Remember, no problem is too big to be solved.

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coastaldigest.com news network
February 24,2025

Mangaluru: The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has urged the Karnataka government to allocate Rs 3,000 crore in the 2025 state budget for the development of the tourism sector in Dakshina Kannada. This demand was made as part of the party’s ‘Janata Budget – 2025’ initiative.

Anwar Sadath S, president of SDPI’s Mangaluru Rural district unit, emphasized the district’s vast tourism potential, given its location between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. He suggested projects such as beach development, walking tracks, play zones, amusement parks, and other recreational activities to boost tourism in the region.

In addition to tourism development, SDPI has called for several key initiatives in the state budget:

•    Establishment of a government medical college and a super-specialty hospital in Dakshina Kannada.

•    Setting up a High Court bench and a government law college in the district.

•    Development of an IT Park to boost employment opportunities.

•    Minimum support price for arecanut and a dedicated research centre for arecanut diseases.

•    Expansion of healthcare facilities, including a branch of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research in Mangaluru.

•    Construction of residential accommodation for Muslim religious leaders serving in mosques and madrasas.

•    A special financial package for paddy farmers, offering Rs 2 lakh per acre as financial assistance.

Sadath criticized previous administrations for neglecting Dakshina Kannada, despite the district being one of the top tax contributors in Karnataka. He highlighted the dominance of private entities in education, healthcare, and business, stressing the need for greater government support in public amenities and welfare schemes.

SDPI urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ensure adequate budgetary allocations for new projects, job creation, education, healthcare, and social welfare programs. The party insisted that the upcoming budget, to be presented on March 7, should prioritize balanced regional development across all districts.

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