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Articles by Manu Aiyappa
Supreme Court dismisses ED plea against CM Siddaramaiah’s wife in MUDA land case
News City News bengaluru News Supreme Court dismisses ED plea against CM Siddaramaiah’s wife in MUDA land case Trending In a significant relief for Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Supreme Court dismissed the Enforcement Directorate's appeal regarding summons issued to his wife, BM Parvathi, in the MUDA land allotment case. The court criticized the ED's involvement, suggesting political battles belong in the public domain.
'Why do you have doubts?': Amid leadership change buzz, Siddaramaiah asserts he will be CM for 5 years; says Karnataka govt stable Original
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly denied any leadership change, asserting his commitment to serving a full five-year term. He dismissed speculations fueled by opposition parties and addressed internal dissent rumors. Deputy CM D K Shivakumar and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had also commented on the matter. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly denied any leadership change speculations, asserting his commitment to serving the full five-year term.
US based Datadog unveils new AI security tools to tackle emerging risks at DASH 2025
News Technology News Tech News US based Datadog unveils new AI security tools to tackle emerging risks at DASH 2025 Trending Datadog unveiled new AI-powered tools at DASH Conference 2025, designed to enhance security and observability across enterprise AI environments. The company introduced Bits AI, intelligent agents automating tasks for SRE, security, and development teams.
Bengaluru molestation case: Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara apologises after backlash over 'such incidents do happen' remark
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has apologized for his controversial statement regarding a molestation case in Bengaluru, which sparked widespread criticism. His initial remark, suggesting such incidents are common in big cities, drew strong backlash. He clarified that his words were misunderstood and expressed regret if any woman was hurt, while the BJP criticized him for insensitive remarks.
DKS refuses to quit as Karnataka Congress chief, turf war intensifies | India News - The Times of India
Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar is adamant about retaining his role as KPCC president amidst internal power struggles within the Congress party. Delhi leadership has expressed support for him, at least temporarily. Shivakumar's stance is linked to his ambition to become chief minister, and he faces opposition from ministers loyal to CM Siddaramaiah.
Population census could alter K’taka’s political landscape
Bengaluru: The much-awaited population census, which is expected to roll out this year after a pandemic-induced delay, could potentially trigger a seismic shift in Karnataka's political scene since the data would lay the foundation for major electoral reforms, including constituency delimitation and implementation of women's reservation. Karnataka currently sends 28 members to the Lok Sabha and has 224 assembly constituencies, but this could change significantly.
Congress's 3-0 Karnataka bypoll sweep gives CM Siddaramaiah a lifeline | India News - Times of India
News India News Congress's 3-0 Karnataka bypoll sweep gives CM Siddaramaiah a lifeline Trending BENGALURU: Congress's 3-0 clean sweep of Karnataka bypolls Saturday is as much a bulwark for CM Siddaramaiah amid a corruption scandal as it is a blow to BJP-JDS alliance. The governing party retained its stronghold of Sandur and wrested Shiggaon and Channapatna from BJP and JDS respectively, the latter two at the expense of third-generation scions of Gowda and Bommai families.
Karnataka bypolls: Battle for bragging rights in 3 assembly seats
News City News bengaluru News Karnataka bypolls: Battle for bragging rights in 3 assembly seats Trending The bypolls for 3 assembly seats on Nov 13 in Karnataka will determine significant political momentum for Congress, BJP, and JD(S). Key issues include tribal welfare, agricultural distress, environmental concerns, rural development, and infrastructure challenges in constituencies Sandur, Shiggaon, and Channapatna.
Karnataka Governor sanctions CM Siddaramaiah's prosecution in Muda scam | Bengaluru News - Times of India
Bengaluru: In a huge setback to Karnataka’s 15-month-old Congress govt, Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot Saturday granted sanction for the prosecution of CM Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (Muda) land allotment scam. The decision sparked immediate demands from opposition BJP-JD(S) for Siddaramaiah’s resignation on moral grounds, sending Congress high command into a tizzy.
Karnataka governor gives nod to prosecute Siddaramaiah in ‘land scam’ Original
Karnataka governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot sanctioned prosecution against CM Siddaramaiah for the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority land allotment scam. The opposition BJP and JD(S) called for Siddaramaiah's resignation. Siddaramaiah contested the governor's authority and vowed to fight it in court. The governor justified the decision, citing petitions from activists and supporting materials indicating offences.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah must shift focus back to governance
The state government, while countering the BJP-JD(S) padayatra, lost focus on governance, delaying critical infrastructure projects and public service delivery. Opposition leaders attacked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's administration, marking it as ineffective. Analysts suggest that to regain trust, the government should concentrate on delivering tangible results, addressing issues like fiscal deficit and law and order.
Yediyurappa Pocso case: Karnataka Govt faces flak for delaying action
BENGALURU: The Congress govt in Karnataka is in the dock again for a perceived delay in investigating a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case against BS Yediyurappa, former chief minister, BJP's tallest functionary in the state, and veteran politician. Barely a month ago, the govt had faced immense criticism for delaying action in the Prajwal Revanna serial rape case.Critics say the govt had again delayed action in Yediyurappa's case for political gain.
Rivals pass baton on to women, but IAS coach emerges spoiler
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Rivals pass baton on to women, but IAS coach emerges spoiler
An obligatory seat in Parliament. This is something women have been demanding for decades, but despite enacting legislation, reservation for women is still a long way off. But Davanagere Lok Sabha constituency is certain to send a woman to the Lok Sabha this time as both major parties have nominated a woman candidate. Skeptics might frown and say the two women were propped up by their respective families which have been engaged in a three-decades long battle for electoral supremacy in the district.
Cinema, politics blend in Shimoga showdown
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
Cinema, politics blend in Shimoga showdown
SHIVAMOGGA : Beneath the relentless blaze of a scorching sun, a cavalcade of Kannada cinema stars and senior Congress functionaries descends on Esuru village, each arriving in opulent ‘wheels’ which range from high-end BMWs to Mercedes-Benz. Then, a navy-blue Toyota Vellfire glides to a halt, drawing an especially frenzied surge from the crowd. Kannada cinema icon Shivarajkumar and his wife and Shimoga Lok Sabha seat candidate Geetha Shivarajkumar alight.
Windfall for Indian growers as robusta output falls elsewhere
BENGALURU: Robusta coffee bean prices, a staple of India's coffee production and a key ingredient in the creation of instant coffee, have surged to unprecedented heights, reaching an astounding Rs 10,080 per 50 kg bag as of Friday. This is the first time prices have soared to such heights since the inception of coffee estates by the British in the picturesque hills of the Western Ghats (Malnad) region of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu around the 1860s.
Making sense of Karnataka’s caste politics
Caste dynamics, for long, has played a pivotal role in shaping electoral outcomes in Karnataka, a trend observed in other states as well. Each of the three major political parties claims significant support from at least one dominant caste or community, but the key to success lies in garnering support from a broader spectrum of communities.
Congress' Injustice-by-Centre Theme: Limited Appeal or Electoral Gains?
BENGALURU:With Lok Sabha elections nearing, Congress has intensified its campaign against alleged financial injustice meted out by the central govt, making the theme the cornerstone of their election strategy with the hope that it will galvanise support from voters peeved with the northsouth disparity. At the heart of Congress’ efforts lies a steadfast commitment to addressing what they view as neglect from the central govt, especially concerning Karnataka’s interests.
After row, Siddaramaiah holds breakfast meeting to present a united face - Times of India
BENGALURU: With Lok Sabha elections a few months away, Karnataka Congress is facing problems in fighting the poll battle as a cohesive unit and there are indications that it may go the Rajasthan way, where in July 2020 Sachin Pilot had revolted against his boss Ashok Gehlot along with 18 MLAs. Though chief minister Siddaramaiah held a breakfast meetingwith a dozen ministers to present a united face on Saturday, it's no secret that the party has divided into two camps.
Will be LOP only if BJP brass asks me to: Bommai
BENGALURU: Even as BJP, the principal opposition in Karnataka, seems to have tied itself into knots over the selection of the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) and its state unit chief, former CM Basavaraj Bommai exuded confidence the party had overcome the jitters of its state polls debacle and was gearing up for Lok Sabha polls. Bommai, while denying that he was a frontrunner for the LOP, told Manu Aiyappa: "When I am not even in contention, how can I be a frontrunner?
Anna Bhagya scheme: Siddaramaiah government to give cash to BPL card holders instead of rice
BENGALURU: The Karnataka Cabinet on Wednesday decided to give cash instead of five kg of rice under the ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme to BPL card holders until the state government procures rice from various sources. Food and Civil Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa said that the cash would be transferred to the head of the family of the Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders. The system would continue until the state procures rice from various other sources”.
Young wildlife photographer captures rare Albino deer on camera in Kabini Original
BENGALURU: Young wildlife photographer Dhruv Patil captured a rare albino deer in the Kabini forest area a few years ago. This click, which was the result of months of effort, had drawn the attention of wildlife lovers across the state. "Usually, deer possess shiny brown skin. Deer with white or pale white skin are found once in a while. However, such deer do not form any special species," explained 22-year-old Patil.
Karnataka: Karnataka govt may withdraw circular banning hijab, warns of RSS ban | India News - Times of India
BENGALURU: The Congress government in Karnataka is seriously considering withdrawing the primary and secondary education department’s circular prohibiting hijabs in schools and pre-university colleges in the state. Senior state minister Priyank Kharge also said that his government would ban outfits like the Bajrang Dal if peace in the state was disturbed. “We have promised in our manifesto to turn Karnataka into a paradise.
Karnataka govt may withdraw circular banning hijab, warns of RSS ban
This Skin-Transforming Serum Is a ‘Fountain of Youth’ for Shoppers With Dry, Mature Skin & It’s Majorly Discounted for Memorial Day A good skincare routine will make you look and feel good, regardless of how old you actually are. While we all have our holy grails, it’s always fun …
Karnataka: 28 ministers likely to be sworn in alongside Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar
BENGALURU: About 25–28 ministers are expected to take oath along with Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, who will be sworn in as chief minister and deputy chief minister on Saturday at a grand event in the presence of a host of prominent political figures. The names of new ministers were shortlisted on Friday in Delhi after Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar rushed back to hold discussions with the high command. The duo was reportedly asked to pick 10 each and leave the rest to the brass.
Congress's Karnataka poll guarantees come with many riders
BENGALURU: Congress's five major poll guarantees - which are perceived to have delivered a thumping majority for the party in Karnataka - may be implemented with several riders to reduce the burden on the state exchequer. KPCC chief DK Shivakumar and senior leader BK Hariprasad have indicated in recent media interactions that it may benefit mainly the poor and lower middle class, and not the entire population of the state as suggested.
DK Shivakumar, the eternal troubleshooter in Karnataka poll battles
If there is a Congress leader who has stuck with the party through thick and thin, it is DK Shivakumar. Seen as the party’s troubleshooter and go-to man, he was put in charge of the Congress’ Karnataka unit, which was plagued by low morale and lack of fighting spirit. Shivakumar’s crisis management skills came to the fore when he kept the flock together in 2002, when Maharashtra CM Vilasrao Deshmukh from the Congress was facing a no-confidence motion.
Encore or change in store? All eyes on Karnataka polls verdict today
BENGALURU: The counting of votes polled for the May 10 Karnataka assembly polls, which witnessed a three-cornered fight between BJP, Congress and JD(S), will be taken up on Saturday. The parties are keeping their fingers crossed as most pollsters have given an edge to the Congress over the incumbent BJP, while also indicating the possibility of a hung assembly in the state, which has seen regime change every five years since 1985.
Assembly elections: Karnataka votes today in high-stakes battle seen as 2024 warm-up
BENGALURU: An intense and often bitter campaign that saw political heavyweights criss-cross Karnataka with pledges, salvos and shocks is set to culminate Wednesday in a three-way contest for 224 seats between BJP, Congress and JD(S) whose outcome could be a windsock for the bigger 2024 battle. About 5.3 crore registered electors across 31 districts, 11.7 lakh of them young voters, will take their pick from 2,613 candidates at 58,545 polling stations between 7am and 6pm.
कर्नाटक में कैसे पार्टियां खेल रहीं जाति वाला खेल, कास्ट पॉलिटिक्स का पूरा गणित समझिए
बेंगलुरु: कर्नाटक विधानसभा के लिए वोटिंग का काउंटडाउन शुरू हो चुका है। 10 मई को होने वाले मतदान के बाद 13 मई को कर्नाटक में किसकी सरकार बनेगी यह तय हो जाएगा। लेकिन एक बात तो साफ है कि जो पार्टी जाति और समुदायों का समीकरण फिट करने में कामयाब रही जीत उसी को मिलेगी। बीजेपी ने कांग्रेस के बजरंग दल पर बैन वाले वादे को मुद्दा बनाते हुए बजरंग बली वाला दांव खेल दिया। तो वहीं कांग्रेस ने 40 प्रतिशत कमीशन वाली सरकार और मुस्लिम आरक्षण में कमी को लेकर राज्य में मुद्दा बनाया है। इसके साथ ही जेडीएस पहले की...
How parties are playing the caste game in Karnataka
Karnataka, which goes to polls on May 10, is a melange of castes and communities. So, the state's major part - BJP, Congress and JD(s) - need to get the caste balance right for a majority in the 224-member assembly. Manu Aiyappa Kanathanda sums up the key castes in the state and their issues LINGAYATS Worshippers of Shiva, the community was born out of philosopher Basavanna’s reform movement in the 12th-century.
Karnataka assembly elections: No-sweat fight gets tough as ‘scapegoat’ bares horns
Political hymns to propitiate Lord Varuna (the rain god in Hindu mythology) are reverberating across Varuna assembly constituency where former chief minister Siddaramaiah and his rival, housing minister V Somanna, are hoping to ride to victory on a deluge of votes.
Congress 'clarifies' on Bajrang Dal, but insiders wary of poll dent
BENGALURU: The outcry over Congress's poll manifesto equating Bajrang Dal with the proscribed PFI and pledging a similar ban on the Hindu outfit on Wednesday elicited a clarification of sorts from the party about the objective being to make Karnataka "a paradise of peace" rather than target a particular group. "We need not mention any organisation in isolation," G Parameshwara, convener of the Congress manifesto committee, said of the backlash.
Jagadish Shettar, Laxman Savadi exits could dent BJP’s Lingayat support in Karnataka polls
BENGALURU: When JD(S) led by HD Kumaraswamy refused to hand over the reins to BJP and BS Yediyurappa under their agreement to share the chief ministership for 20 months each in 2007, it hurt Yediyurappa’s supporters, especially Veerashaiva Lingayats. In assembly polls the following year, the community rallied behind Yediyurappa and it resulted in BJP forming its first government in Karnataka.
'Done with BJP': Karnataka ex-dy CM joins Congress
BENGALURU: Former Karnataka deputy chief minister and three-time MLA Laxman Savadi joined Congress on Friday, two days after he quit BJP over denial of ticket for the May 10 assembly polls. "I'm done with BJP. After I die, my body shouldn't be taken in front of BJP's office," he said. Congress is likely to field Savadi from Athani against BJP's Mahesh Kumathalli, who had defeated the ex-deputy CM in 2018.
BSY’s son in BJP’s first Karnataka candidate list of 189
BENGALURU: The BJP released Tuesday its first list of 189 candidates for the May 10 assembly polls in Karnataka, fielding party veteran and former chief minister BS Yediyurappa’s son BY Vijayendra from the Shikaripura constituency in Shivamogga, the same seat his father has won seven times since 1983. This has been the Lingayat strongman’s biggest ask and will likely boost BJP’s chances with the politically strong community, which has got 52 tickets in the first list itself.
Karnataka assembly elections: BJP banks on caste matrix, Congress on anti-incumbency
The Election Commission of India on Wednesday announced that elections to the Karnataka legislative assembly will be held on May 10, and results will be declared on May 13. Manu Aiyappa does a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis on the three major contenders BJP STRENGTHS: The BJP had emerged as the single-largest party in three of the last four elections.
Karnataka assembly elections: PM's appeal, Cong's survival & JD(S)'s relevance at stake
NEW DELHI: As Karnataka goes to the polls on May 10, the big question is, will it give a clear mandate? For the past 20 years, three-cornered contests between Congress, BJP and JD(S) have mostly delivered a hung house. Congress broke the jinx once, in 2013, but in 2018 it had to ally with rival JD(S) to form a government that soon fell as some of their MLAs resigned.
BJP hopes for return, Congress for rebound as Karnataka goes to polls
BENGALURU/NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Wednesday set May 10 as the date for the single-phase assembly polls in Karnataka, raising the curtains on a busy electoral season featuring other important contests in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. This will be the first state election in the wake of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification and the bitter battle between Congress and BJP over Adani.
Karnataka assembly elections: Graft an issue, but voters may not buy parties’ narratives
BENGALURU: Political parties across the spectrum agree corruption will be an issue in the upcoming elections, but differ widely on who it will benefit. Analysts too have different takes on the issue. While some believe corruption does count in the battle of perceptions, others say voters are cynical and numb to the issue and believe none is above board.
Karnataka elections: PM Narendra Modi’s visits give BJP a shot in the arm; party hopes it will get them over line
BENGALURU: Until last month, a barrage of allegations made by the two main opposition parties, Congress and JD(S), especially on corruption, had put the BJP on the defensive leading upto the assembly polls. But PM Modi’s successive visits to the state have swung the mood and has given the saffron party a much-needed boost.
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai's 'surplus' budget ticks most boxes, but will it suffice?
BENGALURU: It was widely speculated that the BJP government's last budget in Karnataka before the assembly elections would be high on populist measures, thereby adversely impacting growth and fiscal deficit. However, the "surplus" budget presented by chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday ticked as many boxes as it could without derailing government finances. Better still - it had something for everyone. Much of the budget exercise seems to be aimed at appeasing farmers, youths and women.
Buying a house seems to be distant dream for middle class in most Bengaluru cities
BENGALURU: Vinod Kalappa, a private college tutor, had plans to buy a two-bedroom flat in north Bengaluru and scouted around Sahakarnagar, Yelahanka, and Hebbal, looking for something in the Rs 50-55 lakh range. He was left disappointed. "With my budget, I can only afford a house near Devanahalli or Rajanukunte, but it is far from the city," said Kalappa.
Brahmin community hits back at jibes, fights to remain politically relevant in Karnataka
BENGALURU: Over the past three decades, politicians in Karnataka, who veer towards socialism, have time and again targeted Brahmins in public comments and speeches in pursuit of consolidating backward classes and Dalits. The Brahmin community, numerically insignificant, has largely ignored these jibes until now.
Simpler land conversion will boost investments in Karnataka: Experts
BENGALURU: The government's move to bring in reforms to the process of land conversion from agriculture to non-agriculture is expected to ease rising land prices and provide a boost to real estate growth. This move, say experts, could also enhance Karnataka's ranking in terms of ease of doing business and attract big investments in the future.
As polls near, hopes of cabinet expansion fade in Karnataka
BENGALURU: With just months to go for assembly polls, a nearly year-old cabinet expansion proposal continues to hang fire. The BJP brass is yet to approve the exercise despite chief minister Basavaraj Bommai dashing to New Delhi for the umpteenth time to obtain clearance for the same. Besides, top posts in several state corporations and boards - which are typically used to appease disgruntled legislators who do not make it to the cabinet - have been vacant.
Land prices surge in districts near Bengaluru post Covid: Experts
BENGALURU: Neighbouring districts of Bengaluru city have witnessed a sharp increase in land prices post Covid. Stakeholders say this is due to factors like reforms related to purchase of agricultural land and high demand in the housing market. According to market experts, land prices in Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapura, Tumakuru, Kolar and Ramanagara have shot up significantly over the past 12-16 months. The increase is especially seen within a 50km radius of the city.
BS Yediyurappa: रिटायर तो हो जाएंगे येदियुरप्पा लेकिन क्या उन्हें किनारे लगा पाएगी बीजेपी? कर्नाटक चुनाव की मजबूरी तो समझिए
बेंगलुरू: पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री और भाजपा के संरक्षक बीएस येदियुरप्पा (BS Yediyurappa) अगले साल विधायक के रूप में अपना कार्यकाल खत्म होने पर चुनावी राजनीति से संन्यास ले सकते हैं। उन्होंने चुनाव नहीं लड़ने का ऐलान किया है। इसका मतलब यह भी है कि तीन दशकों में केवल दूसरी बार बीजेपी येदियुरप्पा के बिना विधानसभा चुनाव का सामना करेगी। राज्य में बीजेपी प्रमुख बनने के बाद वे हमेशा ही मुख्यमंत्री पद के उम्मीदवार रहे हैं। एक कठोर आरएसएस स्वयंसेवक और लिंगायत समुदाय से आने वाले 79 वर्षीय येदियुरप्पा को...
Karnataka: Even in retirement, BS Yediyurappa could well be influential in BJP
BENGALURU: Former chief minister and BJP patriarch BS Yediyurappa’s revelation that he will retire from electoral politics when his term as MLA ends next year has drawn the curtain on uncertainty that surrounded his future. It also means that for only a second time in three decades, BJP will face assembly elections without Yediyurappa at the helm. He has been BJP’s default chief ministerial candidate ever since i gained prominence in the state.
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