About 1,000 North Easterners, who had fled Bangalore to their native states last month following rumours of attacks against them, returned on Tuesday, police said.
"All the people who have returned have expressed satisfaction at the security being provided by Karnataka government for their protection," DIG Railways B Srikantappa, who was at the city railway station to welcome them, told reporters.
The North Easterners arrived by a Guwahati-Bangalore special at 4.30 AM amid tight security arrangements at the railway staion.
They said they had fled to their native places after receiving SMSes that they would be attacked. But their fears vanished after reading newspaper reports of the steps taken by the government to provide protection to them and Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka's personal appeal to them to come back during his recent visit to Guwahati, they said.
"We have no fear in our minds now and are relieved to return to our home here", said Tensing who works in a beauty parlour.
Nanu, a hair stylist in a well-know hair salon, said the SMSes and rumours were the work of mischief-mongers. "I am glad police are looking into it. I feel good to be back because I love the city".
There are over 3.5 lakh people from North Eastern states residing in different parts of Karnataka, of whom about 30,000 had fled to their native states since August 15 in the wake of the threat SMSes.
In all, 20 persons have been nabbed in connection with the rumour mongering, including five for sending theatening SMSes.
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Showing posts with label bangalore hot news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bangalore hot news. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Karnataka CM cancels MLAs study tour in face of drought
Facing public outcry over legislators undertaking a foreign trip when the state is hit by drought, Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar on Tuesday ordered cancellation of an overseas "study" tour by a legislature committee and asked them to return.
"The foreign tour by MLAs has been cancelled. The first batch of MLAs who are currently touring in a foreign country has been asked to return," Shettar, who came under attack from opposition parties over the MLAs foreign trip told reporters here.
The members of the Public Undertaking Committee of the state legislature are visiting Argentina and other parts on a study tour at the expense of the state exchequer.
Another group of 12 members of the Estimates Committee headed by BJP MLA Abhay Patil was scheduled to fly to Russia and Europe on September 26, which has now been put on hold.
Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa had last week slammed the MLAs for their foreign trip and asked them to return immediately.
He had also said people of their respective constituencies would teach them a lesson.
"The foreign tour by MLAs has been cancelled. The first batch of MLAs who are currently touring in a foreign country has been asked to return," Shettar, who came under attack from opposition parties over the MLAs foreign trip told reporters here.
The members of the Public Undertaking Committee of the state legislature are visiting Argentina and other parts on a study tour at the expense of the state exchequer.
Another group of 12 members of the Estimates Committee headed by BJP MLA Abhay Patil was scheduled to fly to Russia and Europe on September 26, which has now been put on hold.
Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa had last week slammed the MLAs for their foreign trip and asked them to return immediately.
He had also said people of their respective constituencies would teach them a lesson.
Tuskers gear up for Dasara fest
The early stirrings of the Mysore Dasara festivities begin at Veeranahosahalli, a sleepy lush green village 45 km away from Mysore. The elephants meant to take part in the festival start their journey from this village.
Known as Gajapayana in Kannada, it will begin this year on September 7. Twelve elephants have been lined up to make this journey and five among them are large tuskers - Gajendra, Sri Rama, Balarama, Arjuna and Abhimanyu. These five are capable of carrying the golden ‘howdah’ (carriage) on the day of the fabled Jamboo Savari, the main attraction of Dasara festival.
“Who will finally bear the golden howdah will be decided by a panel of experts in days to come. The elephants will undergo 25 days of practice in the city, starting from September 8,” Mysore district forest officer (wildlife) Devaraj told DNA. In addition to the senior tuskers, other elephants including Mary, Sarala and five other individual elephants were expected to join from various elephant camps from Thitimati, Dubare, and Kaigudi in BR Hills.
“The villagers of Veeranahosahalli take it as a matter of pride that their village had something to offer for the Dasara celebrations in Mysore. They spare no effort or expenses to decorate the village and give goodies to the elephants, the local temples and shrines also offer special poojas,” Hunsur MLA HP Manjunath said.
The search for the right elephant to carry the prestigious golden howdah was not easy. Devraj said, “The animal has to be strong, well-mannered, have its own personality, temperament to withstand the pressures of crowds, lights and most importantly the boom of the guns that are sounded during Dasara festivities. Drona and Balarama have these qualities and both put together had carried the howdah for more than a quarter century. Balarama has the distinction of carrying it 13 times and holds a record.”
The howdah weighs 750 kg, while the weight of mattresses and other paraphernalia will be another 100 kg. “So the individual elephant entrusted with the responsibility of carrying the Howdah should be trained to carry a total weight of 850 kg for a distance of 10 km — from Amba Vilas Palace to Bannimantap torch light parade grounds,” Devaraj said.
Along with the Gajapadae(herd of elephants) at least three attendants for each elephant- two kavadis (caretakers) and mahout (driver) of the elephant come to Mysore. They are housed on the eastern lawns of the palace which is reserved for the elephants, their crew and families.
Known as Gajapayana in Kannada, it will begin this year on September 7. Twelve elephants have been lined up to make this journey and five among them are large tuskers - Gajendra, Sri Rama, Balarama, Arjuna and Abhimanyu. These five are capable of carrying the golden ‘howdah’ (carriage) on the day of the fabled Jamboo Savari, the main attraction of Dasara festival.
“Who will finally bear the golden howdah will be decided by a panel of experts in days to come. The elephants will undergo 25 days of practice in the city, starting from September 8,” Mysore district forest officer (wildlife) Devaraj told DNA. In addition to the senior tuskers, other elephants including Mary, Sarala and five other individual elephants were expected to join from various elephant camps from Thitimati, Dubare, and Kaigudi in BR Hills.
“The villagers of Veeranahosahalli take it as a matter of pride that their village had something to offer for the Dasara celebrations in Mysore. They spare no effort or expenses to decorate the village and give goodies to the elephants, the local temples and shrines also offer special poojas,” Hunsur MLA HP Manjunath said.
The search for the right elephant to carry the prestigious golden howdah was not easy. Devraj said, “The animal has to be strong, well-mannered, have its own personality, temperament to withstand the pressures of crowds, lights and most importantly the boom of the guns that are sounded during Dasara festivities. Drona and Balarama have these qualities and both put together had carried the howdah for more than a quarter century. Balarama has the distinction of carrying it 13 times and holds a record.”
The howdah weighs 750 kg, while the weight of mattresses and other paraphernalia will be another 100 kg. “So the individual elephant entrusted with the responsibility of carrying the Howdah should be trained to carry a total weight of 850 kg for a distance of 10 km — from Amba Vilas Palace to Bannimantap torch light parade grounds,” Devaraj said.
Along with the Gajapadae(herd of elephants) at least three attendants for each elephant- two kavadis (caretakers) and mahout (driver) of the elephant come to Mysore. They are housed on the eastern lawns of the palace which is reserved for the elephants, their crew and families.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Love-marriage case brings Veerappan’s daughter to HC
Nearly seven years after forest brigand Veerappan's death, his 21-year-old daughter Vidya Rani's love marriage with a Christian youth has brought her back under judicial attention and intense media glare.
Police brought Vidya to the Madras high court on Tuesday after her husband Mariya Deepak approached the court stating that Veerappan's wife Muthulakshmi was opposed to their inter-caste marriage and that she had kept Vidya under illegal custody.
According to Deepak, he and Vidya were in love for over two years when he was studying in Loyola College and she was pursuing her arts degree in the Women's Christian College here. He said they got married on March 30, 2011 and had duly registered their marriage with the sub-registrar's office at Kodambakkam here on April 26, 2011. He said they had deep love and affection for each other, and that they were living happily in Chennai.
He said that on August 25, Muthulakshmi took Vidya with her to Salem district saying that they have to do a pooja at her father Veerappan's memorial at his native place Mecheri in Mettur taluk in Salem district. As the whereabouts of Vidya was not known, he filed a habeas corpus petition in the high court, stating that he was worried about her safety.
A couple of weeks ago, a division bench comprising Justice C Nagappan and Justice M Sathyanarayanan directed the police to produce her in court. Till that point of time, neither the judges nor additional public prosecutor Maharajan handling the case was aware of the fact that Vidya Rani was the daughter of Veerappan. The matter assumed significance only after the Q-Branch police alerted others.
Though Vidya was brought to the court on Tuesday, she could not be produced before the judges as she had arrived late. She will be formally produced before the bench on Wednesday, said Maharajan. Since she is a major and that her marriage is duly registered, the judges are likely to allow her to go with her husband if she desires so.
Police brought Vidya to the Madras high court on Tuesday after her husband Mariya Deepak approached the court stating that Veerappan's wife Muthulakshmi was opposed to their inter-caste marriage and that she had kept Vidya under illegal custody.
According to Deepak, he and Vidya were in love for over two years when he was studying in Loyola College and she was pursuing her arts degree in the Women's Christian College here. He said they got married on March 30, 2011 and had duly registered their marriage with the sub-registrar's office at Kodambakkam here on April 26, 2011. He said they had deep love and affection for each other, and that they were living happily in Chennai.
He said that on August 25, Muthulakshmi took Vidya with her to Salem district saying that they have to do a pooja at her father Veerappan's memorial at his native place Mecheri in Mettur taluk in Salem district. As the whereabouts of Vidya was not known, he filed a habeas corpus petition in the high court, stating that he was worried about her safety.
A couple of weeks ago, a division bench comprising Justice C Nagappan and Justice M Sathyanarayanan directed the police to produce her in court. Till that point of time, neither the judges nor additional public prosecutor Maharajan handling the case was aware of the fact that Vidya Rani was the daughter of Veerappan. The matter assumed significance only after the Q-Branch police alerted others.
Though Vidya was brought to the court on Tuesday, she could not be produced before the judges as she had arrived late. She will be formally produced before the bench on Wednesday, said Maharajan. Since she is a major and that her marriage is duly registered, the judges are likely to allow her to go with her husband if she desires so.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Reddy Had A Close Shave From Chopper Mishap?
Karnataka Tourism Minister and mining tycoon Gali Janardhan Reddy would have met the same fate of his political mentor and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy on Thursday.
According to reports reaching Hyderabad, the private helicopter carrying Gali took off from Bangalore at around 9.30 am in the morning and went missing for over one and a half hours. It is believed to have lost contacts with the aircraft control system due to inclement weather and heavy clouds. The media in Hyderabad started giving breaking news immediately, stating that Gali has been missing in the cloudy weather and his whereabouts were not known.
However, at around 1 pm, the channels gave the flash news, stating that Gali landed safely at a place within Karnataka after hovering in the clouds for over an hour because of heavy gale and clouds, much to the relief of the Karnataka leadership.
Looks like Gali had the tremendous luck which eluded his guru.
According to reports reaching Hyderabad, the private helicopter carrying Gali took off from Bangalore at around 9.30 am in the morning and went missing for over one and a half hours. It is believed to have lost contacts with the aircraft control system due to inclement weather and heavy clouds. The media in Hyderabad started giving breaking news immediately, stating that Gali has been missing in the cloudy weather and his whereabouts were not known.
However, at around 1 pm, the channels gave the flash news, stating that Gali landed safely at a place within Karnataka after hovering in the clouds for over an hour because of heavy gale and clouds, much to the relief of the Karnataka leadership.
Looks like Gali had the tremendous luck which eluded his guru.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
5 feared dead in major fire at Bangalore's Carlton Towers
Five people are feared dead in a major fire that broke out on Tuesday at the Carlton Towers, which houses many commercial offices and establishments, on Old Airport Road at Domlur here.
Eight fire tenders have been rushed to the spot, fire brigade sources said. The fire broke out at 4.30 pm, they said.
Eyewitnesses said that the rescuers were bringing down people using fire hoses down the sides. The fire department has not been able to assess how serious the fire is.
A large number of people are stuck in the building. Many updates are coming in on social networking site Twitter from inside the building as well as the on-lookers.
A user trapped in the building tweets about the latest happening,
“Carlton Towers is burning and six of us are trapped inside. The fire's above but there's smoke everywhere. Saw people jump to their death.”
“Don't call me folks, you can't help. Will keep posting.”
“Our rescue ladder. It'll only reach the fourth floor. We're on the fifth.”
“Massive crowd outside. This must have choked traffic for kilometers around.”
Many users write in about the massive crowd near the place, which is causing traffic blockage. Tweetizens are also posting latest pictures of the happenings in the building.
The Twitteratti doing their bit by telling people the actual on-goings to avoid false rumours.
People are also warning the others to not to come on that road to avoid the chaos; one user enquires, “We are 20 minutes from Carlton Towers Bangalore. Which is on fire. Hope Things are not as bad as it seems to me”
Carlton Towers,Carlton Towers fire,Bangalore City, bangalore news, bangalore hot news,
Eight fire tenders have been rushed to the spot, fire brigade sources said. The fire broke out at 4.30 pm, they said.
Eyewitnesses said that the rescuers were bringing down people using fire hoses down the sides. The fire department has not been able to assess how serious the fire is.
A large number of people are stuck in the building. Many updates are coming in on social networking site Twitter from inside the building as well as the on-lookers.
A user trapped in the building tweets about the latest happening,
“Carlton Towers is burning and six of us are trapped inside. The fire's above but there's smoke everywhere. Saw people jump to their death.”
“Don't call me folks, you can't help. Will keep posting.”
“Our rescue ladder. It'll only reach the fourth floor. We're on the fifth.”
“Massive crowd outside. This must have choked traffic for kilometers around.”
Many users write in about the massive crowd near the place, which is causing traffic blockage. Tweetizens are also posting latest pictures of the happenings in the building.
The Twitteratti doing their bit by telling people the actual on-goings to avoid false rumours.
People are also warning the others to not to come on that road to avoid the chaos; one user enquires, “We are 20 minutes from Carlton Towers Bangalore. Which is on fire. Hope Things are not as bad as it seems to me”
Carlton Towers,Carlton Towers fire,Bangalore City, bangalore news, bangalore hot news,
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Yeddyurappa throws ball back into Deve Gowda’s court
Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on Tuesday alleged that it was the former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda who was responsible for providing land to the promoters of the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project.
Speaking to presspersons in Bangalore on Tuesday, Mr. Yeddyurappa denied the allegation by Mr. Deve Gowda that he [Yeddyurappa] had sacrificed the interests of the State to protect the interests of BMIC project promoters by helping them get excess land. “It is Mr. Deve Gowda who set the stage ready for providing land to the BMIC project promoters. I have strictly gone by the court directions with respect to this project. That being the case, how can I be blamed for providing land to the BMIC?” he asked. He took serious exception to Mr. Deve Gowda’s charges that the Chief Minister was thick skinned and that he was not able to hear any of the problems of the poor people and farmers of the State. Mr. Deve Gowda should be responsible while making such statements and should not speak lightly about the Chief Minister, he said.
Counter attack
Launching a counter attack against Mr. Deve Gowda, he said the former Prime Minister was more interested in toppling the government than being concerned with the people of the State.
In an obvious reference to the Bruhat Banagalor Mahanagara Palike poll alliance between the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress, Mr. Yeddyurappa said Mr. Deve Gowda had developed love towards the Congress. He urged the former Prime Minister to take out a delegation from the State to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss the problems of farmers and the projects that are pending in the State.
He also asked Mr. Deve Gowda to join the State delegation that would meet Mr. Singh to seek clearance for the Kalasa-Banduri drinking water project.
Speaking to presspersons in Bangalore on Tuesday, Mr. Yeddyurappa denied the allegation by Mr. Deve Gowda that he [Yeddyurappa] had sacrificed the interests of the State to protect the interests of BMIC project promoters by helping them get excess land. “It is Mr. Deve Gowda who set the stage ready for providing land to the BMIC project promoters. I have strictly gone by the court directions with respect to this project. That being the case, how can I be blamed for providing land to the BMIC?” he asked. He took serious exception to Mr. Deve Gowda’s charges that the Chief Minister was thick skinned and that he was not able to hear any of the problems of the poor people and farmers of the State. Mr. Deve Gowda should be responsible while making such statements and should not speak lightly about the Chief Minister, he said.
Counter attack
Launching a counter attack against Mr. Deve Gowda, he said the former Prime Minister was more interested in toppling the government than being concerned with the people of the State.
In an obvious reference to the Bruhat Banagalor Mahanagara Palike poll alliance between the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress, Mr. Yeddyurappa said Mr. Deve Gowda had developed love towards the Congress. He urged the former Prime Minister to take out a delegation from the State to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss the problems of farmers and the projects that are pending in the State.
He also asked Mr. Deve Gowda to join the State delegation that would meet Mr. Singh to seek clearance for the Kalasa-Banduri drinking water project.
Rajkumar-Vishnuvardhan studio being planned
Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa has promised that the Government will conduct a land survey for establishing a film studio to be named after Kannada thespians Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan either in Mysore or in Bangalore shortly.
Mr. Yeddyurappa was speaking at a condolence meeting organised by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and the rest of the Kannada cinema industry here on Tuesday in honour of veteran producer Chandulal Jain, acclaimed music director C. Ashwath and Vishnuvardhan who all died recently.
Mr. Yeddyurappa said the Government would consult all those concerned with the Kannada cinema industry before finalising the blueprint for the proposed film city. The Government would support the cause of the development of Kannada cinema, he added.
Referring to the State honour extended to the late Vishnuvardhan, the Chief Minister said the Government only did its duty. The Government would take steps for developing a memorial in the Abhiman Studio premises where the late actor’s cremation took place without delay, he added.
Paying tributes to his friend, actor Ambareesh said the way in which Yeddyurappa’s Government handled the volatile situation on December 30 in Bangalore and elsewhere in the State would remain etched in history.
Many, including Minister for Information and Publicity Katta Subramanya Naidu, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah, Bangalore South MP Ananth Kumar, the former president of the South India Film Chamber K.C.N. Chandrashekhar, KFCC president Jaimala, artistes B. Saroja Devi, Jayanthi, Leelavathi, Srinath, directors K.S.L Swamy, Dwarkish, S.V. Rajendra Singh and Chairman of the Kannada Chalanachitra Academy T.S. Nagabharana recalled their association with the departed hero.
Bangalore City, bangalore hot news,
Mr. Yeddyurappa was speaking at a condolence meeting organised by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and the rest of the Kannada cinema industry here on Tuesday in honour of veteran producer Chandulal Jain, acclaimed music director C. Ashwath and Vishnuvardhan who all died recently.
Mr. Yeddyurappa said the Government would consult all those concerned with the Kannada cinema industry before finalising the blueprint for the proposed film city. The Government would support the cause of the development of Kannada cinema, he added.
Referring to the State honour extended to the late Vishnuvardhan, the Chief Minister said the Government only did its duty. The Government would take steps for developing a memorial in the Abhiman Studio premises where the late actor’s cremation took place without delay, he added.
Paying tributes to his friend, actor Ambareesh said the way in which Yeddyurappa’s Government handled the volatile situation on December 30 in Bangalore and elsewhere in the State would remain etched in history.
Many, including Minister for Information and Publicity Katta Subramanya Naidu, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah, Bangalore South MP Ananth Kumar, the former president of the South India Film Chamber K.C.N. Chandrashekhar, KFCC president Jaimala, artistes B. Saroja Devi, Jayanthi, Leelavathi, Srinath, directors K.S.L Swamy, Dwarkish, S.V. Rajendra Singh and Chairman of the Kannada Chalanachitra Academy T.S. Nagabharana recalled their association with the departed hero.
Bangalore City, bangalore hot news,
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Vishnuvardhan gave politics a wide berth
Despite being a hugely popular film star and enjoying considerable fan following in Karnataka, actor Vishnuvardhan did not plunge into politics. He always kept a distance from it and was only seen at election campaigns, that too only when his close friend and actor-turned-politician Ambareesh was in the electoral fray.
In the past, political parties in the State reportedly made “unsuccessful bids” to rope Mr. Vishnuvardhan, into politics by fielding him in either Assembly or Lok Sabha elections. However, the actor was content in the world of cinema.
There have been many success stories of Kannada film stars making it big in politics. They include Ambareesh (three-time MP from Mandya Constituency), Ananth Nag (represented Malleswaram Assembly Constituency in Bangalore and was a minister in the J.H. Patel Cabinet), actor Shashikumar (represented the Lok Sabha from Chitradurga on Janata Dal-United ticket), ‘Pranayaraja’ Srinath (BJP MLC), Jaggesh (represented Turuvekere in the Assembly on Congress ticket and is now a BJP leader).
Like Kannada thespian Dr. Rajkumar, Mr. Vishnuvardhan was not lured into politics.
Several film stars in the Kannada industry tested their fate in politics. Some tasted success while others failed. It was only Ambareesh, popularly known as ‘Mandyada Gandu’, who has a successful track record in it. Dialogue King Saikumar’s dream of entering the Vidhana Soudha remains unfulfilled following his loss in the 2008 Assembly elections from Bagepalli Constituency in Kolar district on the BJP ticket. Even yesteryear actor Jayanthi’s brush with politics was unsuccessful.
The face of Ambareesh’s election campaign was Mr. Vishnuvardhan. He and his actor-wife Bharati had campaigned for Ambareesh, who shared a close bond with him. They entered the silver screen together with the Puttanna Kanagal-directed landmark film “Nagarahavu”.
After the film’s stupendous success, the duo never looked back and emerged as Kannada cinema’s popular actors. They continued their close bonding in their 37 years in Kannada cinema.
In spite of having a friend like Ambareesh, who was a political heavyweight, Mr. Vishnuvardhan was not attracted to politics though he was well aware that he could make it big owing to his popularity.
Another close friend comedian Dwarakeesh’s entry into politics was a disaster when he lost the elections from Hunsur Assembly Constituency in Mysore district under Kannada Nadu party.
In the past, political parties in the State reportedly made “unsuccessful bids” to rope Mr. Vishnuvardhan, into politics by fielding him in either Assembly or Lok Sabha elections. However, the actor was content in the world of cinema.
There have been many success stories of Kannada film stars making it big in politics. They include Ambareesh (three-time MP from Mandya Constituency), Ananth Nag (represented Malleswaram Assembly Constituency in Bangalore and was a minister in the J.H. Patel Cabinet), actor Shashikumar (represented the Lok Sabha from Chitradurga on Janata Dal-United ticket), ‘Pranayaraja’ Srinath (BJP MLC), Jaggesh (represented Turuvekere in the Assembly on Congress ticket and is now a BJP leader).
Like Kannada thespian Dr. Rajkumar, Mr. Vishnuvardhan was not lured into politics.
Several film stars in the Kannada industry tested their fate in politics. Some tasted success while others failed. It was only Ambareesh, popularly known as ‘Mandyada Gandu’, who has a successful track record in it. Dialogue King Saikumar’s dream of entering the Vidhana Soudha remains unfulfilled following his loss in the 2008 Assembly elections from Bagepalli Constituency in Kolar district on the BJP ticket. Even yesteryear actor Jayanthi’s brush with politics was unsuccessful.
The face of Ambareesh’s election campaign was Mr. Vishnuvardhan. He and his actor-wife Bharati had campaigned for Ambareesh, who shared a close bond with him. They entered the silver screen together with the Puttanna Kanagal-directed landmark film “Nagarahavu”.
After the film’s stupendous success, the duo never looked back and emerged as Kannada cinema’s popular actors. They continued their close bonding in their 37 years in Kannada cinema.
In spite of having a friend like Ambareesh, who was a political heavyweight, Mr. Vishnuvardhan was not attracted to politics though he was well aware that he could make it big owing to his popularity.
Another close friend comedian Dwarakeesh’s entry into politics was a disaster when he lost the elections from Hunsur Assembly Constituency in Mysore district under Kannada Nadu party.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Legendary Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan died
He developed breathing problems at about 0230 hrs IST on Wednesday and he was immediately taken to a private hospital where he breathed his last.
According to hospital sources, he died at around 0300 hrs IST on Wednesday.
All schools and colleges in Karnataka will remain closed on Wednesday as per Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa's orders as a mark of respect for Vishnuvardhan.
Security has been stepped up in Bangalore following the actor's death. Police have set up road blocks around Vishnuvardhan's residence to check the flow of fans.
Kannada cinema news, Bangalore City, bangalore hot news,
Vishnuvardhan was popularly referred to as the Phoenix of Kannada cinema. He is survived by his Bharati who is also a popular actress, and two adopted daughters, Keerthi and Chandana.
In 2005 Vishnuvardhan was awarded honorary doctorate by Bangalore University.
He acted in 199 films, won 7 Filmfare Awards and many state government awards. He was also involved in public service and welfare activities of the film world.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
House panel indicts Murthy for faulty airport design
The Joint House Committee (JHC) probing the construction of the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) has indicted Infosys chief mentor N R Narayana Murthy, MP Rajeev Chandrashekar, bureaucrats V P Baligar, K Jairaj and other officials for "faulty" design and construction.
It has also recommended blacklisting of infrastructure majors L&T, Siemens and Unique Zurich Airport for at least five years for "poor quality of workmanship" at BIA.
The report, submitted to the government by committee chairman D Hemachandra Sagar, was tabled in the legislature on Monday. It says decisions at each stage -- from project approval to construction of BIA -- did not lead to the construction of an airport of international standards. It has recommended "appropriate action" against officers responsible for the present state of affairs at BIA.
Murthy and Chandrashekar have been indicted on two counts. One, both were among the first directors when Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) was incorporated on January 5, 2001. Two, they participated in the first board meeting of BIAL, on March 21, 2001, which appointed IAS officer K Jairaj as managing director.
While Murthy refused to comment on the report, Rajeev Chandrashekar said he quit as a BIAL director in 2003, before the government brought in the private participant. "I have consistently criticized the monopoly status of the airport. The private stakeholder could exit the project in two years with a windfall profit, leaving no competition on the ground, with the closure of HAL airport, and making the new airport facility more expensive for the common man. So, in a way, I agree with the recommendations that somebody should be accountable for what has happened," he told TOI.
Describing the terminal building as an "industrial shed", the committee has expressed serious concern over the absence of a structure depicting the culture and glory of Karnataka.
In addition, the JHC has asked the five directors of BIAL, nominated by the central and Karnataka governments, to safeguard the interests of the state. "There is an urgent need to put in the whole weight of directors of both the governments to get better and adequate amenities on a par with any other international airport. The directors should ensure that debt does not become a noose around the neck of the government as the onus of the mounting debts of the company falls on the shoulders of governments," the committee observed.
The JHC was constituted a year ago after legislators debated the design and construction of BIA.
The recommendations of the committee will bring cheer to people fighting for reopening of the HAL airport. It has asked both governments to consider reopening the old facility for healthy competition. Further, the JHC has asked the Centre to order BIAL to withdraw the user development fee of Rs 260 as the company has failed to provide facilities on par with international standards.
It has recommended that BIAL be headed by an Indian who can understand local aspirations and requirements. The JHC has considered the observation made by a parliamentary standing committee which noted there was "a complete lack of transparency" in awarding engineering, procurement and construction contracts by BIAL.
It has also recommended blacklisting of infrastructure majors L&T, Siemens and Unique Zurich Airport for at least five years for "poor quality of workmanship" at BIA.
The report, submitted to the government by committee chairman D Hemachandra Sagar, was tabled in the legislature on Monday. It says decisions at each stage -- from project approval to construction of BIA -- did not lead to the construction of an airport of international standards. It has recommended "appropriate action" against officers responsible for the present state of affairs at BIA.
Murthy and Chandrashekar have been indicted on two counts. One, both were among the first directors when Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) was incorporated on January 5, 2001. Two, they participated in the first board meeting of BIAL, on March 21, 2001, which appointed IAS officer K Jairaj as managing director.
While Murthy refused to comment on the report, Rajeev Chandrashekar said he quit as a BIAL director in 2003, before the government brought in the private participant. "I have consistently criticized the monopoly status of the airport. The private stakeholder could exit the project in two years with a windfall profit, leaving no competition on the ground, with the closure of HAL airport, and making the new airport facility more expensive for the common man. So, in a way, I agree with the recommendations that somebody should be accountable for what has happened," he told TOI.
Describing the terminal building as an "industrial shed", the committee has expressed serious concern over the absence of a structure depicting the culture and glory of Karnataka.
In addition, the JHC has asked the five directors of BIAL, nominated by the central and Karnataka governments, to safeguard the interests of the state. "There is an urgent need to put in the whole weight of directors of both the governments to get better and adequate amenities on a par with any other international airport. The directors should ensure that debt does not become a noose around the neck of the government as the onus of the mounting debts of the company falls on the shoulders of governments," the committee observed.
The JHC was constituted a year ago after legislators debated the design and construction of BIA.
The recommendations of the committee will bring cheer to people fighting for reopening of the HAL airport. It has asked both governments to consider reopening the old facility for healthy competition. Further, the JHC has asked the Centre to order BIAL to withdraw the user development fee of Rs 260 as the company has failed to provide facilities on par with international standards.
It has recommended that BIAL be headed by an Indian who can understand local aspirations and requirements. The JHC has considered the observation made by a parliamentary standing committee which noted there was "a complete lack of transparency" in awarding engineering, procurement and construction contracts by BIAL.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
CAT extended by a day
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2009 for the management courses has been extended by a day to enable all the candidates, who could not take test due to technical glitches, to take the exam within this year’s testing period.
Now the CAT will conclude on December 8 instead of earlier schedule from November 28 to December 7.
On December 8, the tests will be held only in the morning sessions in 20 cities, including Bangalore, said a joint press release issued by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and Prometric, which is conducting the computer-based test.
“We understand and regret the additional stress and inconvenience caused to the candidates who have not been able to take the test on their scheduled day due to technical difficulties,” said Ramesh Nava, vice-president and general manager, Prometric (Asia Pacific, Japan and Africa), in a statement.
“We are working with the IIMs to add an additional session on December 8 to accommodate all the candidates within the city they were originally scheduled,” he added.
While maintaining that the technical glitches were a result of virus and malware, Prometric stated that majority of these issues have been identified and eradicated. However, in case of any difficulty in conducting the test at the designated labs, the candidates will be informed via SMS a day before the test, the release added. As many as 1.12 lakh candidates have completed the test as on December 3.
Meanwhile, many affected candidates have received rescheduled test date.
Also, Prometric, based on feedback from candidates, has extended the hours of CAT Candidate Care contact 1800 103 9293.
Now candidates can contact the helpline from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. without having to wait much as Prometric has said that it has deployed more telephone lines and agents to respond to the queries.
Bangalore City, bangalore hot news, bangalore news, Education,
Now the CAT will conclude on December 8 instead of earlier schedule from November 28 to December 7.
On December 8, the tests will be held only in the morning sessions in 20 cities, including Bangalore, said a joint press release issued by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and Prometric, which is conducting the computer-based test.
“We understand and regret the additional stress and inconvenience caused to the candidates who have not been able to take the test on their scheduled day due to technical difficulties,” said Ramesh Nava, vice-president and general manager, Prometric (Asia Pacific, Japan and Africa), in a statement.
“We are working with the IIMs to add an additional session on December 8 to accommodate all the candidates within the city they were originally scheduled,” he added.
While maintaining that the technical glitches were a result of virus and malware, Prometric stated that majority of these issues have been identified and eradicated. However, in case of any difficulty in conducting the test at the designated labs, the candidates will be informed via SMS a day before the test, the release added. As many as 1.12 lakh candidates have completed the test as on December 3.
Meanwhile, many affected candidates have received rescheduled test date.
Also, Prometric, based on feedback from candidates, has extended the hours of CAT Candidate Care contact 1800 103 9293.
Now candidates can contact the helpline from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. without having to wait much as Prometric has said that it has deployed more telephone lines and agents to respond to the queries.
Bangalore City, bangalore hot news, bangalore news, Education,
Monday, November 30, 2009
People with fake passports prefer BIA?
The international airport in Bangalore, the third busiest in the country, appears to be a safe transit point for passengers using passports that have been tampered with or are forged, if the number of cases booked by the city police in this regard is any indication.
During the last two weeks, eight passengers were detained at the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) for allegedly possessing forged passports.
The BIA, which opened about 20 months ago, is equipped with highly advanced safety and security gadgets. “The Bangalore airport is regarded as a safe point of departure or disembarkation with fake passports. There is a notion that the BIA still does not have advanced gadgets to screen fake passports,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) V.S. D’Souza told The Hindu.
Though the country has international airports in New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, people with fake passports appear to prefer BIA, said a police official in whose jurisdiction the airport falls.
On an average, 60 passengers are deported from Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Germany, America, France, Hong Kong and other countries to BIA every year for possessing fake passports, fake visas and other documents.
“They are sent back to their point of boarding. Even Sri Lankans are among them in large numbers,” he said.
However, an official of the Emigration Division at BIA claimed that instances of fake passports were coming to light only because of the advanced equipment installed at the airport. The official blamed the Police Department for its inability to check the menace.
“We are taking a serious note of the rise in fake passport cases. We will verify the documents and efforts will be made to solve all registered cases,” DCP (Crime) S.N. Sidramappa said. The police said people with criminal background and over-staying foreigners flock to agents in Chennai in Tamil Nadu and in Mallapuram and other parts of Kerala, where a thriving fake passport racket existed.
Stolen passports are believed to be used in the racket. “The agents can replace the photograph of a person, who wants to fly, but cannot change other details.
They are using advanced machines to replace the photos. It is difficult to check the authenticity of the forged passport. Only sophisticated scanners and other equipment can detect the manipulation,” a police officer said.
Bangalore City, bangalore hot news, bangalore news,
During the last two weeks, eight passengers were detained at the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) for allegedly possessing forged passports.
The BIA, which opened about 20 months ago, is equipped with highly advanced safety and security gadgets. “The Bangalore airport is regarded as a safe point of departure or disembarkation with fake passports. There is a notion that the BIA still does not have advanced gadgets to screen fake passports,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) V.S. D’Souza told The Hindu.
Though the country has international airports in New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, people with fake passports appear to prefer BIA, said a police official in whose jurisdiction the airport falls.
On an average, 60 passengers are deported from Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Germany, America, France, Hong Kong and other countries to BIA every year for possessing fake passports, fake visas and other documents.
“They are sent back to their point of boarding. Even Sri Lankans are among them in large numbers,” he said.
However, an official of the Emigration Division at BIA claimed that instances of fake passports were coming to light only because of the advanced equipment installed at the airport. The official blamed the Police Department for its inability to check the menace.
“We are taking a serious note of the rise in fake passport cases. We will verify the documents and efforts will be made to solve all registered cases,” DCP (Crime) S.N. Sidramappa said. The police said people with criminal background and over-staying foreigners flock to agents in Chennai in Tamil Nadu and in Mallapuram and other parts of Kerala, where a thriving fake passport racket existed.
Stolen passports are believed to be used in the racket. “The agents can replace the photograph of a person, who wants to fly, but cannot change other details.
They are using advanced machines to replace the photos. It is difficult to check the authenticity of the forged passport. Only sophisticated scanners and other equipment can detect the manipulation,” a police officer said.
Bangalore City, bangalore hot news, bangalore news,
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Kavitha Lankesh lashes out at Master Manjunath
Director Kavitha Lankesh has slammed at Master Manjunath saying that he is still living in the past and he needs to grow up. Earlier, in an interview to the Bangalore Mirror, The Malgudi Days actor had expressed his disappointment over not getting due credit
for his father Shankar Naga. He had said that he could file a lawsuit against Kavitha.
Recently, producer Narasimhan has put all Shankar and Kavitha directed episodes of Malgudi Days together and released it in DVD format. That's why the credit has been given as ‘Directed by Kavitha Lankesh and Shankar Nag' on the DVDs. But Manjunath was very upset over the recognition.
Speaking to the Bangalore Mirror about his claims, Kavitha Lankesh said that, Since Manjunath doesn't hold any rights to RK Narayan’s works, he cannot file a lawsuit against me. In fact, Dev Anand, TS Nagabharana have also done their movies based on RKN. "Can Manjunath sue them?" Kavitha asks.
Kavitha said, "I'm not the producer. I've done the work and they have put my name. It's their duty to give due credit to Shankar Naga. Why is he dragging in my name? Is he a filmmaker?” She added, “Manjunath is still living in the world of Malgudi Days that he was part of 30 years ago. He has to grow out of it. Even Malgudi, the people and the place have changed. There is a lot of traffic there now.”
Kannada cinema news, Kannada movie news, bangalore hot news,
for his father Shankar Naga. He had said that he could file a lawsuit against Kavitha.
Recently, producer Narasimhan has put all Shankar and Kavitha directed episodes of Malgudi Days together and released it in DVD format. That's why the credit has been given as ‘Directed by Kavitha Lankesh and Shankar Nag' on the DVDs. But Manjunath was very upset over the recognition.
Speaking to the Bangalore Mirror about his claims, Kavitha Lankesh said that, Since Manjunath doesn't hold any rights to RK Narayan’s works, he cannot file a lawsuit against me. In fact, Dev Anand, TS Nagabharana have also done their movies based on RKN. "Can Manjunath sue them?" Kavitha asks.
Kavitha said, "I'm not the producer. I've done the work and they have put my name. It's their duty to give due credit to Shankar Naga. Why is he dragging in my name? Is he a filmmaker?” She added, “Manjunath is still living in the world of Malgudi Days that he was part of 30 years ago. He has to grow out of it. Even Malgudi, the people and the place have changed. There is a lot of traffic there now.”
Kannada cinema news, Kannada movie news, bangalore hot news,
Master Manjunath upset with Kavitha Lankesh
Master Manjunath is very upset with director Kavitha Lankesh and he is reportedly planning to file a lawsuit against her for not giving due credit
to his late father Shankar Naga, who is one among the two directors of Malgudi Days. He has claimed that there is no special mention of his father's name on the CDs and DVDs of Malgudi Days serial.
Master Manjunath, who is busy writing script for Kannada movies, had also played a Swami in Malgudi Days. He says that his father Shankar Naga had struggled very hard to bring a good quality in the Malgudi Days serial in those days when there was no availablity of high technology.
Manjunath is unhappy over the ‘lack of recognition’ for film director Shankar Nag. “There are CDs that mention ‘Directed by Kavitha Lankesh and Shankar Nag’,” the Bangalore Mirror quotes him as saying. He objects to such generalisations. He says that he does not have any personal grudge against Kavitha Lankesh. “I do think that credit should be given correctly. I wish I could file a law suit,” the Bangalore Mirror reports him as saying.
Bangalore City, bangalore hot news, Kannada movie news, Kannada cinema news,
to his late father Shankar Naga, who is one among the two directors of Malgudi Days. He has claimed that there is no special mention of his father's name on the CDs and DVDs of Malgudi Days serial.
Master Manjunath, who is busy writing script for Kannada movies, had also played a Swami in Malgudi Days. He says that his father Shankar Naga had struggled very hard to bring a good quality in the Malgudi Days serial in those days when there was no availablity of high technology.
Manjunath is unhappy over the ‘lack of recognition’ for film director Shankar Nag. “There are CDs that mention ‘Directed by Kavitha Lankesh and Shankar Nag’,” the Bangalore Mirror quotes him as saying. He objects to such generalisations. He says that he does not have any personal grudge against Kavitha Lankesh. “I do think that credit should be given correctly. I wish I could file a law suit,” the Bangalore Mirror reports him as saying.
Bangalore City, bangalore hot news, Kannada movie news, Kannada cinema news,
Monday, November 16, 2009
This Bangalore locality is safe with hired guards
If you still feel insecure in the city, fend for yourself. Keeping watch on the neighbourhood at 44th Cross 7th Main Jayanagar 5th
Block are hired common security guards. And it has been a theft-free area for 50-odd houses, for 15 years now. In 1994, residents of 44th Cross complained of a spate of thefts, like break-ins, stolen manhole lids and steel water pipes. The 44th Cross Residents’ Welfare Association was formed to solve the problem. The solution was simple: hire security.
“We get a sense of satisfaction... There has not been a single robbery on our street since 1994, after we decided to go in for our own security,” says B Bhaskar, a local resident. If you are a stranger in the area, you are viewed with suspicion. The guards question all non-residents. Another prime reason to employ guards was to keep salesmen without ID cards at bay. Says Sharada Muthanna: “More than security, we are buying peace of mind. Mothers now send their children out to play in the street, without worrying too much. Women can also go on walks and feel safe.”
They have built a shelter at both ends of the road for the guards. The two pairs of guards work in day/night shifts, keeping a close eye on the road. The Association collects Rs 300 from every house and Rs 250 per flat in apartment buildings.
Recently, the core members of the association — K S Krishnamurthy, K A Muthanna and T P Subramanian — successfully got Bescom to instal more streetlights. With bright lights and two guards, no one dares to mess with this street.
Inspired by their neighbours, residents of 6th main on 5th Block and 10th A Main on 4th Block, Jayanagar, have also adopted this security measure.
Bangalore City, bangalore hot news, bangalore news,
Block are hired common security guards. And it has been a theft-free area for 50-odd houses, for 15 years now. In 1994, residents of 44th Cross complained of a spate of thefts, like break-ins, stolen manhole lids and steel water pipes. The 44th Cross Residents’ Welfare Association was formed to solve the problem. The solution was simple: hire security.
“We get a sense of satisfaction... There has not been a single robbery on our street since 1994, after we decided to go in for our own security,” says B Bhaskar, a local resident. If you are a stranger in the area, you are viewed with suspicion. The guards question all non-residents. Another prime reason to employ guards was to keep salesmen without ID cards at bay. Says Sharada Muthanna: “More than security, we are buying peace of mind. Mothers now send their children out to play in the street, without worrying too much. Women can also go on walks and feel safe.”
They have built a shelter at both ends of the road for the guards. The two pairs of guards work in day/night shifts, keeping a close eye on the road. The Association collects Rs 300 from every house and Rs 250 per flat in apartment buildings.
Recently, the core members of the association — K S Krishnamurthy, K A Muthanna and T P Subramanian — successfully got Bescom to instal more streetlights. With bright lights and two guards, no one dares to mess with this street.
Inspired by their neighbours, residents of 6th main on 5th Block and 10th A Main on 4th Block, Jayanagar, have also adopted this security measure.
Bangalore City, bangalore hot news, bangalore news,
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
In Karnataka, Sushma rules
After the truce in the Karnataka BJP, the spotlight may now shift to the senior party leader, Ms Sushma Swaraj, who has emerged a key player in hammering out a formula to bring the two warring factions together and is likely to head a committee to oversee the party affairs.
Mr G. Janardhana Reddy, who became the “face” of the dissidents during the stalemate, has indicated that Ms Swaraj, as head of the new coordination committee, would have considerable clout in decision-making affairs in the BJP-ruled state.
Mr Reddy said the panel under Ms Swaraj’s leadership would “look after all government activity”, adding that she would devote one day a month to oversee Karnataka affairs.
“All the Ministers, MLAs... whatever their problems... whole state... every problem will be sorted out through the coordination committee. The committee will look after every problem of our MLAs. Whatever the committee (decision), he (Chief Minister Mr Yeddyurappa) has to listen,” he told reporters in Hyderabad late on Monday night.
It’s no secret that Mr Re-ddy’s group — the “stro-ngmen” of Bellary district — enjoy an excellent rapport with Swaraj, ever since she contested against the Congress president, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, in Bellary 10 years ago.
Karnataka news, Bangalore City, bangalore hot news, bangalore news,
Mr G. Janardhana Reddy, who became the “face” of the dissidents during the stalemate, has indicated that Ms Swaraj, as head of the new coordination committee, would have considerable clout in decision-making affairs in the BJP-ruled state.
Mr Reddy said the panel under Ms Swaraj’s leadership would “look after all government activity”, adding that she would devote one day a month to oversee Karnataka affairs.
“All the Ministers, MLAs... whatever their problems... whole state... every problem will be sorted out through the coordination committee. The committee will look after every problem of our MLAs. Whatever the committee (decision), he (Chief Minister Mr Yeddyurappa) has to listen,” he told reporters in Hyderabad late on Monday night.
It’s no secret that Mr Re-ddy’s group — the “stro-ngmen” of Bellary district — enjoy an excellent rapport with Swaraj, ever since she contested against the Congress president, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, in Bellary 10 years ago.
Karnataka news, Bangalore City, bangalore hot news, bangalore news,
Monday, November 9, 2009
BJP's Karnataka row blows over, for now
BJP's Karnataka crisis blew over, at least for the present, with chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and chief rebel Janardhana Reddy
offering each other cake at the residence of party veteran L K Advani who was celebrating his 82nd birthday.
The truce may have seemed like a birthday gift for Advani, but the cake could have tasted bitter for both Yeddyurappa and Reddy as its terms were not what either side really wanted. For the "Bellary brothers" - Janardhana and Karunakara - they have not been able to ensure changes in portfolios that will now be discussed by a coordination committee.
While the Reddys were keen to hold out for more, restiveness among their followers who feared an election if there was no deal and BJP high command's tough message to Karnataka Speaker Jagadish Shettar to stop being a rallying point for rebels yielded results. Janardhana arrived in Delhi on Saturday night.
The Reddys did draw blood with Yeddyurappa having got rid of his principal secretary V P Baligar and the imminent ouster of the CM's favourite minister Shobha Karandlaje. But no other minister is being dropped for now while Yeddyurappa has stood firm on not rescinding the transfers of officials from Bellary. Fresh postings will be made in consultation with the Reddys. Shettar is expected to be inducted into the ministry while any reshuffle will be discussed by the coordination panel.
The coordination committee will comprise the CM, Janardhana Reddy, state chief Sadanand Gowda, state leader S Satish and party organising secretary Santosh. The panel - a very similar arrangement to what Congress has set up to sort out factional pressures in Haryana - will certainly be seen as a dimunition of Yeddyurappa's powers. It has sufficient RSS representation though there is no central leader on it.
The CM will have to put up with a pressure group on issues like appointments which were his preserve.
The peace deal arrived at deputy leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj's residence on Sunday evening followed a slew of meetings involving Arun Jaitley and M Venkaiah Naidu over the last three days. The deal may not be a lasting solution as BJP brass is all too aware of the enormous clout the Reddys, who are relative outsiders, have come to wield. Both sides can be expected to try and undercut one another with BJP working on MLAs who had fled to the rebel havens in Hyderabad.
BJP leaders are quite clear that Yeddyurappa has to be more mindful of MLAs and cannot take the plea that he was only being guided by the state's interests. His abrasive style - which his supporters say is more a case of preoccupation - would have to give way to one that is more persuasive. The CM would be quite aware that his in-house rivals like senior leader Ananth Kumar now have added purchase.
BJP insiders claim that their gambit of consistently ruling out a change of CM worked in the end as it was clear to the rebels that there were not many alternatives with Congress not willing to play ball with the Reddys for a topple game.
The entire central leadership was engaged in firefighting over the last couple of weeks since Jaitley had been rushed to Bangalore. "I will go by the advice and decision of my party leader," Yeddyurappa said after the meeting at Advani's residence. He has made relief for flood-hit areas his top priority.
Karnataka news, Bangalore City, bangalore hot news, bangalore news,
offering each other cake at the residence of party veteran L K Advani who was celebrating his 82nd birthday.
The truce may have seemed like a birthday gift for Advani, but the cake could have tasted bitter for both Yeddyurappa and Reddy as its terms were not what either side really wanted. For the "Bellary brothers" - Janardhana and Karunakara - they have not been able to ensure changes in portfolios that will now be discussed by a coordination committee.
While the Reddys were keen to hold out for more, restiveness among their followers who feared an election if there was no deal and BJP high command's tough message to Karnataka Speaker Jagadish Shettar to stop being a rallying point for rebels yielded results. Janardhana arrived in Delhi on Saturday night.
The Reddys did draw blood with Yeddyurappa having got rid of his principal secretary V P Baligar and the imminent ouster of the CM's favourite minister Shobha Karandlaje. But no other minister is being dropped for now while Yeddyurappa has stood firm on not rescinding the transfers of officials from Bellary. Fresh postings will be made in consultation with the Reddys. Shettar is expected to be inducted into the ministry while any reshuffle will be discussed by the coordination panel.
The coordination committee will comprise the CM, Janardhana Reddy, state chief Sadanand Gowda, state leader S Satish and party organising secretary Santosh. The panel - a very similar arrangement to what Congress has set up to sort out factional pressures in Haryana - will certainly be seen as a dimunition of Yeddyurappa's powers. It has sufficient RSS representation though there is no central leader on it.
The CM will have to put up with a pressure group on issues like appointments which were his preserve.
The peace deal arrived at deputy leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj's residence on Sunday evening followed a slew of meetings involving Arun Jaitley and M Venkaiah Naidu over the last three days. The deal may not be a lasting solution as BJP brass is all too aware of the enormous clout the Reddys, who are relative outsiders, have come to wield. Both sides can be expected to try and undercut one another with BJP working on MLAs who had fled to the rebel havens in Hyderabad.
BJP leaders are quite clear that Yeddyurappa has to be more mindful of MLAs and cannot take the plea that he was only being guided by the state's interests. His abrasive style - which his supporters say is more a case of preoccupation - would have to give way to one that is more persuasive. The CM would be quite aware that his in-house rivals like senior leader Ananth Kumar now have added purchase.
BJP insiders claim that their gambit of consistently ruling out a change of CM worked in the end as it was clear to the rebels that there were not many alternatives with Congress not willing to play ball with the Reddys for a topple game.
The entire central leadership was engaged in firefighting over the last couple of weeks since Jaitley had been rushed to Bangalore. "I will go by the advice and decision of my party leader," Yeddyurappa said after the meeting at Advani's residence. He has made relief for flood-hit areas his top priority.
Karnataka news, Bangalore City, bangalore hot news, bangalore news,
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Passport Seva Kendras
Speaking about the continuing inefficiency at passport offices around the country, Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor said that apart from random, surprise visits at various passport offices, a pilot project of the Passport Seva Kendras would be started in Bangalore and Chandigarh next month. “We will have employees from Tata Consultancy Services run most of the logistical operations,” he said.
“If they are successful, we will roll out several of these across the country,” he added.
bangalore news, Bangalore City, bangalore hot news,
“If they are successful, we will roll out several of these across the country,” he added.
bangalore news, Bangalore City, bangalore hot news,
Friday, November 6, 2009
B.S. Yeddyurappa hints at compromise formula
Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on Friday hinted at a compromise formula under which he may have to axe some ministers and transfer some officials to end the crisis in the BJP government in the state.
"Any important issue...whatever our all India leaders direct me, I am bound to do it. I have already agreed," he said.
He was asked whether he is ready to sacrifice ministers and transfer bureaucrats as demanded by the Reddy brothers - Tourism Minister Janardhana Reddy and Revenue Minister Karunakara Reddy - who are heading the dissidents in the state.
Yeddyurappa also ruled out leadership change. Under a reported compromise formula in the making, Rural Development Minister Shobha Karandlaje, considered close to the Chief Minister, may be axed and Assembly Speaker Jagdish Shettar inducted into the cabinet while Chief Minister's Principal Secretary V.S. Baligar maybe shifted from the Chief Minister's office.
Yeddyurappa expressed confidence that the crisis maybe over by the evening after meeting of the central leadership with state leaders following which a press conference maybe held.
Asked about the delay in settlement, he said, "That was ineveitable in politics". To a question whether he would work with the Reddy brothers, he said "after a settlement is reached one should forget the past and work together".
Bangalore City, bangalore news, bangalore hot news,
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