Massive turnout expected for PFI’s Bengaluru conference

Shivamogga/Hubballi, Feb 10: Chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Sunday reiterated portfolios for all new ministers will be distributed on Monday and the exercise was not completed sooner only because of weekend holidays.

“I had completed all the formalities on the portfolio allocation,” Yediyurappa said, appearing to rubbish rumours that the delay was caused due to a tussle over portfolios. “However, considering it was a weekend, I decided to postpone handing them out. On Monday all portfolios will be announced.”

The CM also promised to induct loyalists into his council of ministers, admitting Umesh Katti, Hukkeri legislator, should not have been left out. Speaking in Shivamogga earlier in the day, Yediyurappa said Katti was scheduled to take oath last week along with the 10 defectors, but the decision was scrapped at the last minute due to “unavoidable reasons”. “But I have discussed the issue with Katti. Considering he is from North Karnataka and that we have worked together for many years, he will be included in the cabinet soon,” Yediyurappa said.

When questioned on more prominent legislators from his home district missing out — especially Thirthalli Arag Jnanendra — he said a “different responsibility” has been given to him and has already explained why he could not be inducted.

Yediyurappa refused to react to comments by former chief ministers Siddaramaiah and HD Kumaraswamy on government’s survival, saying he would rather concentrate on the state’s development. “It is common for the opposition to criticize the government, but I’m busy preparing for the budget, which will be presented on March 5. I am concentrating on my work,” he said.

In Davangere, Yediyurappa said he is committed to increasing internal reservation for the Valmiki community under the ST quota from 3% to 7.5%, apart from considering a separate department for the community to address their issues. Speaking at a Valimik community event, Yediyurappa said Justice Nagamohan Das has been asked to submit his report at the earliest to bring in reservation.

In Mysuru, chief minister Yediyurappa’s son and BJP Yuva Morcha general secretary BY Vijayendra on Sunday said the district will get representation in his father’s cabinet soon, pointing to the six existing vacancies. He said former minister AH Vishwanath will be made a minister as Yediyurappa is known for delivering on his promises. Speaking to reporters, he said his father has expanded his council of ministers, ensuring there were no complaints and he will include more legislators given that there are six more vacancies.

Mangaluru, Mar 25: A full-fledged control room was set up at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Mangaluru to collect all information about the suspected patients.  

The control room will function under the guidance of KIADB special land acquisition officer.  

All the details on those who arrived from foreign countries via Mangalore Airport, via airports in other districts, primary and secondary contacts of the people who arrived from foreign countries are being compiled at the control room.

Ujire, May 7: A child was killed and four people were injured after a car they were travelling in rammed a stationary truck near Ujire, on Tuesday night.

The deceased is nine-month-old Madhavi, the daughter of Pramod, a resident of Panyalu Ujire.

Pramod, his wife Ashwini and relatives Mamatha and Swati, have been grievously injured in the incident, and are being treated in a private hospital.

The incident took place around 11pm. According to police, the victims had gone to a relative’s house at Vamadapadavu. On reaching Ujire, Pramod wanted to stop the car beside the road, but failed to notice the stationary truck.

The car was completely mangled as a result of the impact. A case has been registered at the Dharmasthala police station in this regard.