Inspired by Jignesh Mevani, many activists in Karnataka set to entre poll fray

News Network
February 6, 2018

Bouyed by the triumphant win of Dalit activist Jignesh Mevani in recent Gujarat polls, many social activists in Karnataka have shown keen interest in testing their luck in the upcoming state legislative elections.

Ravi Krishna Reddy, an anti-corruption activist who is associated with Aam Aadmi Party; C S Dwarakanath, an advocate and former chairperson of Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes; V Nagaraj, a Dalit activist; Linge Gowda, an anti-liquor activist; and K S Puttannaiah, a farmers’ leader and incumbent MLA, are among those who are readying themselves for the polls.

Among them Mr Reddy and Mr Gowda have completed over two-and-a-half-months of door-to-door campaign in Jayanagar Assembly segment in Bengaluru and Maddur constituency in Mandya, respectively.

“We may be known to 50 lakh people across the State, but what matters is people who vote in a particular constituency, where we never concentrate and work,” said Mr. Reddy. He learned this lesson in the three earlier polls he had contested, and lost.

Even though the upcoming elections in Karnataka is likely to be a hotly contested election between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress, these independent voices believe that there is hunger for alternative politics among people and social activism must articulate that alternative, argue activists.

A senior leader from Swaraj India, a political party formed out of Swaraj Abhiyan led by Yogendra Yadav, said they have identified over five candidates — all activists working in Chitradurga, Koppal and other districts. The list will be finalised soon.

On the other hand, many activists are also urging caution as they are worried that they will only cause votes to split, benefiting the BJP. They also say that it will be difficult to recreate Mr Mevani’s win in the absence of ground work in specific constituencies.

Noor Sridhar, a former left-wing extremist who is now part of the mainstream, said while alternative politics must be strengthened, forces must also strategise in such a way that they don’t end up benefiting communal forces and splitting votes.

“Activists must contest only in places where they have a social base and are sure of a win,” he said. Brushing aside the possibility of contesting polls he said that his contribution would be only in strengthening social movements.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

Comments

Khasai Khane
 - 
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2018

Congress wins, SIddaramiah becomes CM again, we're all happy.

 

BJP wins, congratulations you have set the stage for Karnataka to be the Next UP. This happens and we will all suffer, which is a good thing, Equal Opportunity. I mean people of Karnataka contributed to the loss that this PM (Pakoda Man) has caused to the country. You ignored that bloody background of Modi and made him PM, just becuase those killed were muslims. You sold your dignity of being Kannadigas, by following Sanghis. You deserve worse than this.

 

shaji
 - 
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2018

My humble request to all of you not to contest separately thereby splitting the votes and helping communal party to win.  We need to save our constitution from the hands of anti nationals and wicked political party.   They want to rule our land even on our dead body and hence are doing politics on dead bodies  We should unite and fight the most anti national and communal party.

Suresh Kalladka
 - 
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2018

Activism just for publicity and political benefits. All are doing the same.

Indrajit P
 - 
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2018

Activism these days is a fashion for the some and a profession for the rest. For semi intellectuals like Jignesh Mevani and Kanhaiya Kumar activism is a means to fool the innocent people who are frustrated of misrule of NDA. By, following their footsteps activists can become leaders like them but they cannot contribute anything to social change. 

Vinod
 - 
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2018

Independent candidates wont win in karnataka, that also BJP

Danish
 - 
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2018

Free Thinkers, intellectuals and activists should come front for our country. If not then Modi will make India upside down by his foolish acts

Sandesh
 - 
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2018

Mevali will become autocrat in future. His attitude like that

Hari
 - 
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2018

Mevali became inspiration for many. Good

Ramya
 - 
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2018

True.. If leaders are not good, not doing anything to society then forget the leaders and party. 

Kumar
 - 
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2018

Now people should change themselves to vote for good cause. They have to forget specific favourite polical party

Ganesh
 - 
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2018

Great.. These move is giving more hope

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News Network
March 3,2020

Kalaburagi, Mar 3: Former Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday in a letter requested Karnataka Assembly Speaker Sri Vishveshvaraya Hegade Kageri that the restricted media coverage in Assembly Budget session was not the right thing and it will be danger of for healthy democracy.

The letter written by Mr. Kharge to the Karnataka Assembly speaker which available to the press said that the fourth pillar of democracy 'Media' ban from covering assembly proceedings was not a healthy move and requested to immediately withdraw the government order in this regards, he said.

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Media Release
February 13,2020

On Friday, February 7, 2020 Tulu Koota Kuwait under the leadership of Dynamic President Ramesh S Bhandary and coordination of Sports Secretary Roshan Quadras  held its annual picnic at Mishref Garden, Kuwait.  Although slight drizzling on the   previous night had caused great concern amongst committee members , yet the  windy and dusty weather did not lessen the enthusiasm and excitement of Tulu Koota Kuwait members.  Over 1000 members enjoyed the fun filled day.

MC of the occasion Mr. Manoj Shetty & Ms. Priya Devadiga welcomed the audience and Chief guests for the event Dr Jeshna Rajan- Badr Al Samaa Clinic, Dr. S.M.Hyther Ali- Chairman of TVS Hyder Group, Mr. John Simon- Group Manager for Corporate Sales and Event Marketing ,  Al Mulla Exchange, Mr Pradeep, owner of Geetherb medicine and Mr. Lokesh & Team from NH Assets.  The program kicked off with Kuwait & Indian National anthem. The guests in their address to audience, praised Tulu Koota Kuwait unwavering efforts to unite people through language, and also the solid philanthropy and charity work being carried by the association was applauded. The presidents  of different South Canara  association in Kuwait were also amongst invited dignitaries for the event, and were welcomed with flower bouquet. This was followed by the release of “ Tulu Nada Jathre flyer”.

Tulu Koota Kuwait President, Ramesh S Bhandary in his speech welcomed the dignitaries and emphasized the significance of the annual picnic gathering. He further elaborated on the innovative concept of “Tulunada Jathre ” being initiated this year, and requested fervent support and participation from all members in  this wonderful program scheduled to be held on Friday,  March 27, 2020 at Indian Central School Indoor Ground Abbasiya. 

As part of days celebration TKK’s Flag hosting  was done  by President , Ramesh Bhandary. “Go Green Global concept” by Tulu Koota members   was the highlight of the inaugural ceremony.  This act was directed by talented committee member Mr. Suresh Salian.

The act beautifully conveyed the message of sustainability, and climate change and raised awareness on how to fight it, how to live green.  The traditional inaugural of the sports event was done by breaking of coconut by Sports Secretary Mr. Roshan Quadras.  TKK First Lady Mrs Anitha Ramesh Bhandary led the sports march holding the traditional torch followed by the  Go Green Global team holding different country flags with plant pots, followed by President, committee members and Sponsors of TKK. The president officially inaugurated the Sports Event by officially lighting the Sports Lamp.

After the inauguration ceremony, the members and kids actively participated in day long sports games and activities meticulously planned out by the Sports committee  for different age groups.  Passing the parcel, Veggies collection, ball bucket, veg shopping , macroni race, hockey, kutti donne, sack race, lagori,  breaking the pot , tyre race, slow cycling, water ballon race, musical chair , kabbadi, volley ball, throw  ball , tug of war, housie housie, kept the members and their families  engaged and entertained. The winners for the competitions were awarded with trophies towards the end of the exciting day.

Delicious and authentic Mangalorean lunch for the event was served by Oriental Restaurant Kuwait.  Sounds and lights support for the event was provided by Anand, while the beautiful moments were captured in camera by Mr.Blen Dsouza and Mr.Rajesh Devadiga

Tulu Koota Kuwait takes this opportunity to thank its committee members, members and volunteers for their dedicated efforts and team spirit and active participation that eventually lead to the huge success of Family Picnic 2020. The Event Sponsors were Al Ahleia Insurance Company SAKP, Al Mulla Exchange, Khain Properties Udupi, Badr Al-Samaa Clinic, TVS Hyder Group and Geetherb.

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News Network
February 16,2020

Bengaluru, Feb 16: Three students from Kashmir studying at a private engineering college in Hubballi district of Karnataka were arrested on sedition charges for allegedly raising pro-Pakistan slogans and posting a video of it on a messaging platform, police said on Saturday.

Police said, according to preliminary information, the students are from Shopian in Kashmir and action has been taken on the basis of a complaint from the college management.

"We received information that three students hailing from Kashmir studying at the KLE Institute of Technology had raised slogans supporting Pakistan. They had made a video about it which has gone viral. Immediately our team headed by Inspector Gokul Road station went to the spot and arrested them," Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissioner R Dileep said.

Right wing activists, including those from Bajarang Dal who had gathered near the college, demanded stringent action against the three.

As the students were being taken to the police station with their faces covered, an activist tried to attack them, but police escorted them safely.

The FIR has been lodged under IPC sections relating to sedition and affecting communal harmony, the official said.

"We are investigating, and whatever comes out as per evidence, law and facts, we will take further action. We will look into their background, whether anyone has tried to mislead them," Mr Dileep said, adding that the arrest should not be seen as action against any particular community or region.

According to officials, the selfie video of the three has gone viral as they posted it on WhatsApp. In the video one of them can be purportedly seen initially uttering something with background music on, after which they chant ''Azadi'' one after the other. Then joining chorus to the music that is playing, they purportedly say "Pakistan Zindabad."

The music they played is said to be Pakistani military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) song, which police said needs to be ascertained.

The video seems to have been recorded at the college hostel, where the students were put up. College principal Basavaraj Anami said the college has given complaint to the police and the students will be suspended.

The students were admitted under central quota and two are doing their first year civil engineering, while the other is a third year student in the same stream, he said.

According to him, the three had made the video and posted it on WhatsApp.

"It came to our notice in the morning, following which I called the students immediately to my office, and informed the police," the principal told reporters.

"In the video, they have purportedly shouted pro-Pakistan slogans allegedly in the backdrop of the Pulwama attack anniversary yesterday," he added.

Union minister Pralhad Joshi, who hails from the district, described the act unfortunate and demanded strict action against those involved.

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