Over 260 fishermen stranded off Bhatkal coast rescued by the Indian Coast Guard

Bengaluru, Apr 7: Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Siddaramaiah on Monday urged Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa to announce a special package to help farmers, agriculture labourers and also working class in various sectors who are affected by the lockdown.

Mr Siddaramaiah put forth his demands during a telephonic conversation and the Chief Minister positively responding to it informed that he will formulate a programme keeping in mind the suggestions made by the Opposition, a statement from the LoP's office said.

It said, the Chief Minister also spoke to Mr Siddaramaiah regarding the government's decision to stop supply of free food for poor and needy through Indira Canteens.

Mr Siddaramaiah on Saturday had written to Yediyurappa urging him to utilise Indira Canteens efficiently and provide food for poor and needy until the coronavirus crisis and lockdown is over.

The former Chief Minister's letter had come a day after the state government had decided not to provide free food at Indira Canteens as concerns were raised about the quality and misuse that was happening.

It had, however, decided to continue to provide subsidised food- breakfast at Rs 5 and lunch and dinner at Rs 10, as usual.

Mr Yediyurappa during the phone conversation on Monday appraised Siddaramaiah that the decision to supply food by fixing a price was taken to stop misuse that was happening.

Mr Siddaramaiah, however, insisted the government should provide food free of cost to the poor and needy, by taking care that misuse doesn't happen.

The senior Congress leader asked the Chief Minister to take action against errant officials who allowed misuse to happen, the statement said, adding that Yediyurappa has promised to look into it.

Initially, the government last month had decided that the state subsidised Indira Canteens would provide food packets free of cost to the poor and needy in the wake of the lockdown.

Mangaluru, Jan 15: Popular Front of India leader Mohammed Saqib came down heavily on Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Dr P S Harsha for justifying the Dec 19 firing which claimed two Muslim lives in the city.  

He was addressing a mammoth crowd of around two lakh people, mostly Muslims, who had gathered at Shah Garden at Adyar in Mangaluru today to register their protest against CAA, NRP, NRC, besides police atrocities on Muslims in Mangaluru.

Criticising the way the commissioner handled the situation on December 19, he said the people have all the right to agitate when their citizenship is endangered. 

“Two men lost their lives. Then Commissioner started releasing misleading videos (to justify the killing),” he said questioning the top cop: “Who are you? Are you a British?” 

“What kind of doctor you are? You are a doctor in creating false stories,” he said whiling taking on the top cop for claiming that protesters had tried to storm the Mangaluru North Police Station.

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#MangaluruAgainstNRC | Undeclared bandh in parts of Dakshina Kannada

Bengaluru, Feb 13: 'Karnataka Bandh' call given by various Kannada organisation demanding implementation of Sarojini Mahashi report for ensuring job reservation to local people (Kannadigas) in the Private and government organisation, including industries, evoked mixed response in the State on Thursday.

The Bandh call was given by the “Karnataka Sanghatanegala Okkoota”, comprising a few factions of “Karnataka Rakshana Vedike” (KRV) and was backed by Ola-Uber Cab Drivers’ Association, a few auto unions, farmers’ associations, street vendors association, trade unions and transporters’ associations.

Meanwhile, Airport Taxi Services also supported the Bandh which forced flight passengers to find it difficult in finding the transport for reaching their destination in time. Fortunately, BMTC bus services at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) was available at the Airport.