Davanagere, Belagavi among first 20 smart cities; Mangaluru disappointed

Bengaluru, Jul 2: Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday accused BS Yediyurappa-led state government of "failure" to protect the citizens from coronavirus, stating that Karnataka was suffering due to lack of co-ordination in the cabinet.

In a series of tweets, the JD(S) leader slammed the state government for wasting their time in giving out contradictory statements regarding COVID-19 figures instead of learning lessons from the Kerala government.

"It is shocking to see COVID-19 patients being turned down by the hospitals due to lack of beds. The government has failed in its duty to protect the citizens. The CM and his cabinet colleagues wasted precious time in mere talking for the last three months. As the escalated Covid numbers stare them in the face, they are now helpless," Kumaraswamy wrote.

"Even when you have a proven model in Kerala government's success in Covid management, the ministers waste time in issuing contradictory statements and doing nothing. Karnataka suffers due to lack of co-ordination in the cabinet," he said.

Urging the government to act together, he said that if the government does not get its act together, the day is not far when Covid patients would be "condemned to die on the streets."

We are already seeing heart-wrenching stories of patients denied treatment," he added.

Kumaraswamy also appealed to the Karnataka government to consider the suggestions he had made earlier and not to indulge in party politics in these testing times.

"I appeal to the government to consider the suggestions I made earlier and act accordingly. This is not the time for party politics."

Mangaluru, Jul 15: The Mangaluru city police arrested three people in connection with the murder of Adyar Gram Panchayat member Yaqoob, which took place on Friday last week. Personal enmity and financial issues are the reason behind the murder, said police.

The arrested accused are Shakir, Haneef and Shakir Ahmed, all residents of Adyar.

 According to police, the main accused Shakir, who was involved with the sand mafia and had other business interests had financial issues, and personal enmity with Yaqoob, a GP member backed by the BJP. 

The investigating officer said they were produced before the court through video conference. They have been remanded in police custody for undergoing testing for Covid-19. They will be again be produced before the court physically, only if they test negative.

Bengaluru, Feb 13: Veteran freedom fighter and advisor to the Karnataka Government in Education Reforms HS Doreswamy on Thursday has recommended Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa to make it mandatory for MLA and MLCs to adopt at least three govt Schools in their respective constituencies.

Mr Doreswamy appealed to the Chief Minister to implement the suggestion in the State budget for 2020-21 to be presented by him on March 5.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Doreswamy, on the higher education sector, stressed the need to appoint highly qualified candidates for Vice Chancellor posts. There is no dearth of talent and eligibility in the State and authorities concerned must ensure that the right person is appointed by taking extreme care".