Standard response from non-voters in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: The voter turnout was low again as usual this time in Hyderabad. Out of 100 people, only 70 voted, and here are 30 reasons the remaining 30 people gave for not voting: 1. My boyfriend was supposed to drive me to the polling booth, but we ended up fighting, so there was no other way to reach the polling station which was just 500 metres away from my house. 2. Everyone is corrupt, bro. Why should I vote? 3. If I vote, everyone will know that Im over 18. 4. Im Jadoo from Koi Mil Gaya; I dont have a voter ID. 5. Why would they ask us to vote on a holiday, that too on a long weekend? 6. There is no vote-from-home option. 7. Aree yaar!!! Its too hot. 8. Voting is basically choosing, and I chose not to vote; hence, technically, I voted. 9. I just voted out a Big Boss candidate; how many times should I vote? 10. What will happen if I vote? Nothing. Instead, let me sit at home and do nothing. 11. I just tweeted my opinion on politics; I dont need to vote. 12. My one vote wont change anything; there are so many voters already. 13. My candidate is winning already; the election is rigged. 14. My candidate will lose for sure; the election is rigged. 15. Its a tough choice to choose a leader; I need a drink before I vote. 16. I just applied new nail polish; the ink will ruin how my nails will look. 17. Im in a bad marriage; I dont trust my choice. 18. The election officers are working hard already. I dont want to burden them with counting my vote. 19. I voted last time and nothing changed. 20. They didnt give me cash this time. 21. They gave me cash, and if I dont spend it immediately, they might take it back. 22. The world is ending anyway in a couple of years because of climate change; no point thinking about voting for the next 5 years. 23. Actually, Im not interested in politics. 24. My horoscope said not to leave the house today. 25. I will stand in a queue only if someone serves me pani puri at the end of it; cant do the same for voting. 26. I dont live in India; I live in delusion. 27. I dont have anything to wear to the polling station. 28. My voter ID is registered to my hometown, but dont worry, I wont go home to vote either. Ill tell them Im stuck in Hyderabad. 29. I dont believe in democracy blah blah gibberish gibberish end of boring long speech (I couldnt continue listening to this guy). 30. Next time Ill pakka vote, I promise. I told the same thing 5 years ago too. (The writers views are his own)

AdSpot: A weekly round-up of ad campaigns

Amidst the constant stream of advertisements bombarding us, a few of them truly stand out for their creativity, emotional resonance, or powerful messaging. To archive impactful ad campaigns and share a quick round-up of ads released in a week, Social Samosa presents -- AdSpot. This week, the advertising and marketing industry saw campaigns from Toothsi by MakeO, Samsung, McDonald's, Durex, Titan, and Manforce Condoms. Let's take a look at all that makes these advertisements noteworthy: Toothsi by MakeO Toothsi by makeO's #AbBracesGayabAapNahi campaign highlights the benefits of invisible aligners over traditional, painful braces. In it's quirky way, the campaign urges viewers to ditch unattractive braces and opt for discreet aligners instead. Samsung US We would never crush creativity. #UnCrush pic.twitter.com/qvlUqbRlnE Samsung Mobile US (@SamsungMobileUS) May 15, 2024 Created by BBH USA, Samsung's ad features a woman walking into a scene reminiscent of the Apple spot, with destroyed objects and a paint-splattered hydraulic press. She picks up a damaged guitar, sits down, and starts to play. The ad titled 'UnCrush' is a direct jab at Apple's original ad. Durex India Durex's 'Explorers Wanted' campaign is designed to encourage couples to be more adventurous, based on the finding of their survey that 74% of surveyed Indians are open to experimenting with new experiences in the bedroom. McDonald's UK This Mental Health Awareness Week, McDonald's UK has launched its The Meal ad campaign aiming to remove the smile from its 'Happy Meal' to help initiate conversations around children's emotions Raga by Titan Titan Raga's campaign reflects the changing perception of beauty from a source of competition among women to a shared experience of mutual support. Today, women bond over beauty tips, support each other, and collaborate to break barriers, thereby highlighting the strength of sisterhood. Manforce Condoms The campaign seeks to dominate online searches for 'condom' by promoting 'Manforce' instead. To launch this year-long effort, Manforce partnered with actor and content creator Dolly Singh. In the video, Dolly mentions 'condom' during a shoot, prompting the director's concern. The crew then collectively says #CondomNahiManforceBolo, emphasizing Manforce as Indias top condom brand.

Don't donate oil, just do this work, Shani Dev will be happy

Shani Dev, the deity representing the planet Saturn in Hindu mythology, is revered and often feared by many. Traditionally, donating oil has been a common practice to appease Shani Dev. However, there are other effective ways to seek his blessings. Let's explore these alternatives and understand how they can bring joy to Shani Dev and positivity into your life. Understanding Shani Dev Who is Shani Dev? Shani Dev is one of the nine primary celestial beings in Vedic astrology, representing the planet Saturn. Known for his strict and just nature, he governs discipline, hard work, and karma. The Symbolism of Shani Dev Shani Dev is often depicted as a dark figure, riding a crow, which symbolizes his association with justice and karma. His gaze is believed to be powerful, influencing one's fortune and misfortune. The Influence of Shani in Astrology In Vedic astrology, Shani is associated with trials, challenges, and learning through hardship. His transit can bring about significant changes, pushing individuals toward growth and self-realization. Alternative Practices to Please Shani Dev Chanting Shani Mantras The Power of Mantras Chanting specific mantras dedicated to Shani Dev can help in reducing the malefic effects of Saturn and attract his blessings. The vibrations created by mantras can positively influence your mind and soul. Popular Shani Mantras Shani Beej Mantra: Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah Shani Gayatri Mantra: Om Sanaischaraya Vidmahe, Sooryaputraya Dheemahi, Tanno Manda Prachodayat Observing Fasts on Saturdays Why Fast on Saturdays? Fasting is a powerful way to demonstrate devotion and discipline. Observing a fast on Saturdays, which is the day dedicated to Shani Dev, can help in mitigating his negative influences. How to Observe the Fast Consume light meals, preferably made of black grams or sesame seeds. Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food and alcohol. Spend the day in prayers and meditation. Offering Black Sesame Seeds Significance of Black Sesame Seeds Black sesame seeds are considered sacred to Shani Dev. Offering these seeds is believed to appease him and bring about positive changes in one's life. How to Offer Black Sesame Seeds On a Saturday, take a handful of black sesame seeds and offer them at a Shani temple or to a needy person. This act symbolizes humility and devotion. Helping the Underprivileged Shani Dev's Love for Service Shani Dev values selfless service. Helping the underprivileged, especially those who are physically challenged or elderly, is a way to win his favor. Acts of Kindness to Perform Donating clothes and food Assisting in medical camps Supporting education for underprivileged children Wearing Iron Accessories Why Iron? Iron is associated with Saturn. Wearing iron rings or bangles can help in reducing the adverse effects of Shani and bring about stability and strength. Choosing the Right Iron Accessories Ensure the iron accessory is simple and unadorned. Its believed that wearing an iron ring made from a horses hoof on your middle finger is particularly beneficial. Daily Practices to Keep Shani Dev Happy Practicing Honesty and Integrity Shani Dev values truth and justice. By living a life of honesty and integrity, you naturally attract his blessings. Regular Prayers and Meditation Dedicate time every day for prayers and meditation. This helps in calming the mind and connecting with divine energies, including Shani Dev. Maintaining Cleanliness Shani Dev appreciates cleanliness and orderliness. Keeping your surroundings and personal hygiene in check is another way to please him. Avoiding Certain Actions to Appease Shani Dev Refrain from Alcohol and Non-Vegetarian Food Shani Dev prefers a sattvic (pure) lifestyle. Avoiding alcohol and non-vegetarian food, especially on Saturdays, is recommended. Avoid Arguments and Conflicts Try to stay calm and composed, avoiding unnecessary arguments and conflicts. Shani Dev values patience and restraint. The Benefits of Pleasing Shani Dev Mitigating Negative Influences By engaging in these practices, you can reduce the malefic effects of Saturn in your horoscope, leading to a more balanced and harmonious life. Attracting Positivity and Success Pleasing Shani Dev can attract his blessings, resulting in positive changes, success in endeavors, and overall well-being. Personal Growth and Discipline The practices associated with pleasing Shani Dev often involve discipline, patience, and self-control, contributing to personal growth. While donating oil is a well-known way to appease Shani Dev, there are numerous other methods that are equally, if not more, effective. Chanting mantras, observing fasts, offering black sesame seeds, helping the underprivileged, and maintaining a life of honesty and integrity are powerful ways to seek his blessings. Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can bring peace, prosperity, and positivity into your life. Remember, its not just about rituals but also about embodying the values that Shani Dev stands for. Kia Launches 'Kia Lease' Program in India, What's Special For You? Air taxi will start soon in India, how much will the fare be? Know here These 5 luxury vehicles are in great demand in India, their price is in crores, know their features

95-year-old dies after casting vote at home

95-year-old Gayatri Mukherjee from Patihal, Howrah, under Serampore Lok Sabha constituency, passed away after voting from home. She had age-related illnesses but keenly followed political news. She couldn't vote in rural and assembly polls. Minister Arup Roy expressed condolences.

Watch The New Hindi Music Video For Humara Pyaar Kyun Adhura Reh Gaya Sung By Swati Sharma

Enjoy the latest Hindi lyrical song Humara Pyaar Kyun Adhura Reh Gaya sung by Swati Sharma. The music for this captivating track has been composed by Anjjan Bhattacharya with the heartfelt lyrics penned by Kunwar Juneja. Don't miss the opportunity to watch the latest Hindi video song Humara Pyaar Kyun Adhura Reh Gaya by Swati Sharma and immerse yourself in its mesmerizing melodies. For more Hindi songs, be sure to visit the music videos section of Hindi ETimes. Experience the musical prowess of Swati Sharma, New Video Songs of 2024, Hindi Gana Video Song.

Events tomorrow - MAY 18: Rangayana - Star of Mysore

Events tomorrow - MAY 18: Rangayana Star of Mysore

No one is speaking of 400-plus, contest on in all states: Sandeep Shastri

With four phases of the Lok Sabha elections behind us, political analyst Sandeep Shastri is sensing a change as the election progresses. What has changed is that BJP initially claimed this election is a no contest, now we see a contest in all states, it is evident, he told TNIE s Bansy Kalappa . How have four phases of voting gone? What have been your biggest takeaways? Importantly, are you hearing that Modi is turning out to be a lesser factor? Each of the four phases have been different because the states are different, and states think differently. One big issue has been poor voter turnout in all four phases compared to 2019, but 2019 was a special election. In states where non-NDA parties are in power, BJP has focussed on local issues and tried to contrast their narrative with the local narrative. From the BJPs perspective, it is critical that PM Modi is the central piece of their campaign, everything revolves around Modis persona. What has changed is that they claimed this election was a no-contest, but in all states there is a contest, that is evident as the election progresses. Any key states to focus on, come June 4? The four key states are Maharashtra, West Bengal, where BJP has been trying to increase its share, Karnataka, where BJP won 25 seats last time but this time they are contesting only 25 seats, and Uttar Pradesh, with the largest number of states. What is the impact of Siddaramaiahs five guarantees? There are also pen drive allegations against MP Prajwal Revanna of the JDS, which is an ally of the BJP... The alliance between them was for 27 seats, and the challenge will be to retain all. BJP faces three challenges: a resurgent Congress with its guarantees scheme, the embarrassment of the pen drive -- and some are keenly watching which way women will vote -- and internal discontent and rebellion in the BJP which was not seen before. One criticism against the BJP is poor social representation, with most MPs belonging to the majority Lingayat, Vokkaliga, Brahmin communities, or to reserved sections... BJP changed candidates in more than half-a-dozen constituencies, to beat anti-incumbency. This could have worked in Gujarat or elsewhere, but given the internal dynamics here, where many candidates had won assembly elections on other party tickets, changing candidates and criticism of social representation is true. For the Congress, many ministers refused to contest and instead fielded their relatives. Both parties are facing challenges. BS Yediyurappa has been the undisputed star for the BJP. He has been very subdued this time. After assembly elections, Yediyurappas son BY Vijayendra was given a free hand. This is visible in the selection of candidates, and there has been a rebellion. Yediyurappas energy and enthusiasm are not seen, perhaps age has something to do with it. Maharashtra too is seen as a key swing state. There is talk of a possible sympathy vote for Uddhav Thackerays Sena and Sharad Pawars party. Will this help Maha Vikas Aghadi and I.N.D.I.A bloc? This election is a test of ground level voters, and who they legitimise as the real NCP and Uddhav Thackerays Sena. BJP is contesting a majority of seats but if its allies are sinking, will they take BJP down with them? BJP, Uddhavs Sena and Pawars NCP appear to be on the front foot, the others on the back foot. In Bihar, can the RJD-Congress alliance challenge BJP, which swept the state in 2019? The BJP is in a reasonably good position in Bihar but many do not say that of its other allies. There has been poor voter turnout in seats where its allies are contesting. The two forces to look out for are BJP and RJD. BJP seems to be on a reasonably safe wicket in Bihar, but not NDA. Rajasthan could see seats going to the Congress, which was in power here until a few months ago. There have been internal convulsions in the BJP. One caste group has gone against the BJP and Congress appears to have put its house in some order and fought unitedly. I will not be surprised if Congress snatches a few seats from BJP. Finally, Uttar Pradesh, with 80 seats. What is your understanding of trends in this giant state? In UP, BJP won 62 seats and its allies won two. The remaining 16 seats were shared by BSP, SP and Congress. This time, BSP seems to be struggling, SP and Congress seem to be doing well and have given more seats to non-Yadavs. This is the first major election where Akhilesh is leading in the absence of his father. BJP would be looking for Ram Mandir to yield seats, but the state is in for a tough fight because of multiple phase polls. Amit Shah predicted a great showing for NDA in the South, with 10-12 seats in Telangana, 17-18 seats in AP, and expects BJP to open its account in Tamil Nadu and Kerala... Last time, BJP won 29 seats and AIADMK one, which means they won 30 out of about 130 seats in the South. Whether Shah is right or not will depend largely on Karnataka. In Telangana, BJP will win more than 4. In AP, BJP is contesting only 4 seats. In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, BJPs vote share is expected to go up, but will it translate into seats is a big question. One state Amit Shah pinned great hopes on is Bengal, where he expects 30 seats. It is the state which was uppermost in their minds when CAA was notified, and there is the Sandeshkhali factor. 2019 saw BJP climb up, and they want to take the momentum forward. Has the TMC response to Sandeshkhali been too late? They have been unable to groom a state leader. BJP initially spoke of 400 plus but now no one is speaking of chaar sau paar... Two scenarios: worst-case is remaining where they are or slipping to half-way mark, best case would be to do a little better than last time -- 370 for BJP and remaining numbers for allies. No one is speaking about 400-plus anymore.

Hyderabad resident on the run for 17 years held in financial scam

Hyderabad: The Pune Crime Investigation Department (CID) officials arrested an accused who had been on the run for the last 17 years on Tuesday, May 12. He was allegedly involved in financial fraud worth Rs 145.60 crore. The accused has been identified as Vijaykumar Ramchandra Dayama, a resident of Gayatri Nagar in Hyderabad. He has Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Object thrown at Mahira Khan during an event in Pak, actor says what happened was uncalled for

Object thrown at Mahira Khan during an event in Pak, actor says what happened was uncalled for A day after a miscreant threw an object at her during a public event in Quetta city, Pakistani star Mahira Khan on Thursday condemned the incident saying she felt scared to be caught in a ''mob-like'' situation. The actor on Wednesday attended an event organised by Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi in Quetta when someone from the audience flung an object, reportedly a bottle, at her. The video of the incident soon went viral on social media in which Mahira could be seen politely admonishing the unknown spectator in the crowd for the act. ''Ye galat ho gaya... Aap toh cheezein phenkne lagein hain (This was wrong. You have now started throwing things at me)'' she can be seen saying in the clip circulating online. On Thursday evening, Mahira shared a lengthy note on her official Instagram page addressing the incident. ''What happened at the event was uncalled for. No one should think it's ok to throw something on stage, even if it's a flower wrapped up in a paper plane. It sets the wrong precedent. ''It is unacceptable. There are times I get scared, not just for myself, but for others who may be trapped in a mob-like situation,'' she wrote, thanking fans and followers for their concern and love. The Karachi-based actor, popular for TV dramas such as ''Humsafar'' and ''Sadqay Tumhare'' as well as films ''Maula Jatt'' and Bollywood movie ''Raees'', said on their way back home someone said they won't organise an event ever again in Quetta. But, she said, she ''disagreed completely'' as that was not the solution. ''Here was a crowd of 10,000 or more who were showing their love and excitement - the way they know best because I could see them I could see they didnt know how to contain/express their excitement. Whoever the miscreant was, was 1 out of 10,000. ''Maybe I should have gotten up and left, maybe the crowd could have been screened, maybe I should not have been put on the spot.. lots of could haves and should haves,'' she added. Mahira also said more literary events need to be organised in more cities of Pakistan. ''The more you are exposed to, the more you are aware and educated. Normalize it. And see what happens. People, cities, our culture, our understanding of each other (which lacks), unity (which lacks even more).. it will all flourish!'' The actor expressed gratitude towards the people of Quetta who welcomed her with open arms. ''I met the most amazing people. We sat together under the beautiful Quetta sky, ate delicious food.. while we shared stories, laughed and made plans for my next visit. I come back enriched. I love you Quetta. Thank you for the insane amount of love. There shall and will be a next time.. and on every end we will be better. InshAllah.''

Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya | Song - Mujhe Pyaar Karo (Lofi Mix)

Watch the Lofi mix song Mujhe Pyaar Karo from Hindi movie Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya starring Abhishek Bachchan and Kirti Reddy. Mujhe Pyaar Karo is sung by Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik, and music of the song is composed by Ismail Darbar, Lofi mix by Abhimanyu-Pragya. Lyrics of Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya song Mujhe Pyaar Karo are written by Sameer Anjaan. To know more about Mujhe Pyaar Karo song from Abhishek Bachchan, Kirti Reddy, Sanjay Suri, Kader Khan, Paresh Rawal and Johnny Lever starrer Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya watch the video.

Mahira Khan reacts to object thrown on stage at Quetta Lit Fest: It is unacceptable

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan recently faced an unsettling experience at the Pakistan Literature Festival (PLF) in Quetta. An audience member threw an object on stage while she was participating in a session. Taking to Instagram, the actress addressed the incident and shared her perspective on the situation. In the viral clip, Mahira Khan said, Haww... Ye galat hogaya (this is wrong). When the host asked her to say a dialogue from her film, she replied, Ab toh dialogue nahi banta na agar cheezein phek rahe hain aap log (I won't say any dialogue because you threw something. Now there is no room for a dialogue). Mahira Khan condemned the act, stating it was unacceptable and set a negative precedent. She highlighted the fear such incidents can cause, not just for celebrities but for anyone in a similar situation. She shared a clip of the event and wrote, What happened at the event was uncalled for. No one should think it's ok to throw something on stage, even if it's a flower wrapped up in a paper plane. It sets the wrong precedent. It is unacceptable. There are times I get scared, not just for myself, but for others who may be trapped in a mob-like situation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mahira Khan (@mahirahkhan) However, Khan's message went beyond simply criticizing the disrespectful behaviour. She acknowledged the excitement of the large crowd, estimated at over 10,000, and suggested they might not have known how to express their enthusiasm appropriately. Khan emphasized the importance of such cultural events, arguing that exposure to these experiences fosters awareness and education. We need more events such as these in more cities of Pakistan, Khan wrote. The more you are exposed the more you are aware and educated. Normalise it. And see what happens. People, cities, our culture, our understanding of each other (which lacks), unity (which lacks even more)... It will all flourish! The actress reflected on the positive aspects of her visit to Quetta, highlighting the amazing people she met and the warm hospitality she received. Khan expressed her gratitude for the love and expressed her desire to return for a future event. Khan's response has been met with praise for her composure and her focus on the importance of cultural exchange. The incident has sparked discussions about fan behaviour and the need for improved crowd management at such events. While some fans questioned why Khan didn't leave the stage or if there could have been better security measures, Khan's message appears to be one of forgiveness and a call for growth The PLF is a major literary event in Pakistan, attracting a diverse audience. It provides a platform for authors, poets, and artists to engage with the public and promote cultural understanding. ALSO READ: Arijit Singh spots Mahira Khan at his Dubai concert; apologises for not recognizing her: I was singing her song Zaalima

Experience The New Gujarati Music Video For Chinta Chhodi De Sath Nahi Chhodu By Mahesh Vanzara

Enjoy the latest Gujarati song Chinta Chhodi De Sath Nahi Chhodu sung by Mahesh Vanzara. The music for this captivating track has been composed by Shashi Kapadiya, with heartfelt lyrics penned by Aarav Kathi. The music video for Chinta Chhodi De Sath Nahi Chhodu has been skillfully directed by Faruk Gayakwad. Don't miss the opportunity to watch the latest Gujarati video song Chinta Chhodi De Sath Nahi Chhodu, by Mahesh Vanzara and immerse yourself in its mesmerizing melodies. For more Gujarati songs, be sure to visit the music videos section of Gujarati ETimes. Experience the musical prowess of Mahesh Vanzara, New Video Songs of 2024, Shashi Kapadiya songs, Gujarati Gana Video Song, Faruk Gayakwad music videos and Aarav Kathi songs.

`Days Of One District, One Mafia Gone`: Narendra Modi Lauds Yogi, Says `Mahaul Badal Gaya Hai`

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Narendra Modi also took a potshot at the Samajwadi Party and Mamata Banerjee over Mayawati's disassociation with the party.

Sitharaman speechless over high taxes in Indian stock market

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has been left speechless over the high taxes levied on Indian stock market brokers and real estate transactions. Later, the video went viral on social media. Nirmala Sitharaman reaction, 'out of syllabus question aa gaya' pic.twitter.com/Ljh1PXekVx Gabbar (@Gabbar0099) May 16, 2024 Nirmala Sitharamans response to brokers question During an event Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

A tryst with destiny that wasnt to be

AMETHI: Amethi is waiting for Godot. Or for a Gandhi. Not just for a 53-year-old with that name, but something inclusive of thatand more than that. A Nehru-Gandhi did not get into a direct contest here, but had long-time aide KL Sharma stand in. Those within and outside who had bet big on a re-run of 2019 are disappointed. The gladiatorial fight that was to be is now substantially downscaled. But a fight is on, albeit by proxy, and reduced to a scrimmage of competitive accusations. Even while abandoning Rahul in 2019, its as if Amethi kept up its love for high-profile contests, as if to keep itself in the reckoning by default, its own little tryst with destiny. They are getting one, even if in an abridged version. Smriti Irani, Union minister and the BJPs prime commentator-critic on all things Nehru-Gandhi, has stayed put to defend her turf. Though Rahul Gandhi has shifted to adjoining Rae Bareli, he looms large even in his absence. Mostly because his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is quite visibly there. Even though the Congress has appointed Rampur MLA Aradhana Mishra Mona as the party poll in-charge for Amethi, Priyanka is managing the electioneering here along with Rae Bareli, like a safe-keeper of the legacy vote. All around the constituency, the pockmarked narrative of Indian democracy reveals itself. Amethi moves through its village dirt tracks and peri-urban roadways at a groaning pace, as if caught in a time zone of struggle all its own. But also representative, at once, of the cracks in the India story. Despite its seeming mundaneness, the Amethi electorate stands witness to history. Its creation, in 1967, was coeval with the unfolding of the crucial post-Nehru phase in modern Indian politics. Since then, it has in a way reflected the mood of the nation at all the cusp moments. Electing a Congress candidate, Vidya Dhar Bajpai, as its first MP, going with the Janata Party candidate in 1977 and a BJP candidate in 1998 and 2019. Loyalty towards family, caste or party? What will decide the elections in Rae Bareli and Amethi? Does Amethi have no dreams? Yes, it would like to be Baramati... Intermittently, and for a long period till 2014, Amethi backed the Congressall of nine times. Emerging as a family bastion that sent Sanjay and Rajiv Gandhi, and then Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, to the Lok Sabha. In the first instance, the seat changed MPs under a tragic circumstance (Sanjay died in a plane crash). In the latter instance, it was an entitled transfer of legacy, giving rise to the third generation of Indians to use the phrase dynastic politics. Nonetheless, Amethi was waiting for Rahul Gandhi. When he decided to make Rae Bareli his second arena, as part of his much-awaited return to north India, it undoubtedly became a bit of a letdown for his supporters. A proxy war has been raging since, with Smriti Irani left stranded in a lonely fight almostshe had been camping in the constituency for weeks before the Congress made up its mind. If insiders are to be believed, INDIA bloc leaders strongly advised the GOP not to let any part of the election become a clash of big names. Avoid Smriti vs Rahul contest, it was said. For that would have hogged the headlines, overshadowing all else. It was to be made localor rather, issue-based. Amethi cannot entirely vanish into the provincial anonymity that is the lot of its other contiguous constituencies. (Who after all thinks of Pratapgarh or Sultanpur? Although Ayodhya, its northern neighbour, is another matter.) Such diminution of stature is impossible. What with Priyanka at the helm of an army come to reclaim its castle. And the aggressive Didijias Smriti is called in these partsis also quite hands-on, not confining herself to the plushness of her Gauriganj residence. The BJP top brass too have rolled up their sleeves, strategising to retain the seat, come what may. What benefits have accruedor notto the people of this star constituency under this regime or that? What development has happened? Thats the ball being thrown around in the heat and dust of Amethi. Memories, long and short, are being dredged up. Both sides claim to know Amethi like the back of their hand and take credit for having done transformative work. Each side disagrees entirely with the other, of course. What have the Gandhis ever done for Amethi? Look at the work of the last five years, from electricity to roads, Smriti thunders in meeting after meeting, bite after bite. What has she done? Can she even count the number of villages in Amethi on her fingers? Priyanka retorts. She lists the universal themesjoblessness, high prices, and the promise of instant Nyay. Theres nothing meethi about Amethi right now. Bitterness is writ large over the discourse as the attacks get personal . It may not be easy for the Congress. The ground is a bit more alien than it used to be. Part of the reason lies in Amethis five assembly segments. Three of these are held by the BJPTiloi, Jagdishpur (SC) and Salon (SC). Two by the Samajwadi PartyGauriganj and Amethi. Ironically, the latter two segments, particularly Gauriganj, are better off than the three held by the BJP. In a curious inversion, therefore, the SP MLAs and their familiesGayatri Prajapatis wife Maharaji Prajapati and Rakesh Pratap Singhare supporting Smriti. This is while the Congress has a tie-up with Akhilesh Yadavs party and is dependent on its workers for election work. Former Congress MLA Deepak Singh admits its time to read carefully. He can barely hide his disappointment that Rahul changed mind about contesting from Amethi. Were working on the ground silently, he says. The community map is more or less equalsavarnas (29%), OBCs (26%), Muslims (20%) and SCs (26%)but they are deeply divided. Sharma is attempting an MY + Brahmin combination. Whether he will succeed or not depends on who you ask. Didiji has put in a lot of hard work. She lives here and votes here. She has a clear edge because of her track record of development work, says Govind Singh, a local BJP worker, brushing aside talk about her being a bit brusque in her interactions with the local unit. Amethi has never seen such an involved MP before. Didi sab ka dukh sukh ki saathi hai (shes with everyone in their happiness and sorrow), says another BJP worker. Any delay or uneven development is blamed on the local bureaucracy. However, even as she wades from one village chaupal to the next, talk about Smriti focusing more on Gauriganj and Salon fly in the air. The constituency is also divided into micro zones of influence. The Congress presence is more in the southern parts of Amethi, Tiloi and Jagdishpur, where, local leaders claim, Smriti has focused less. Added to this is the still-simmering controversy over the shutting down and reopening of the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Munshiganj. There are also whispers about the BJPs Tiloi MLA Mayankeshwar Saran Singh having uneven equations with the MP. For cycle mechanic Rajesh, none of this matters much. He straightens his half-clad, sun-browned body and wipes the sweat off his brow as he says, So far, no one has come to ask for votes. My grandfather and father used to campaign for Rajiv Gandhi. Its my family legacy, cant break my ties with Rahulji. Does he know Rahul is not contesting? He turns his glazed eyes to the far horizon. How does it matter? Dilli bahut dur hai. My work can only earn my family two daily meals, he adds. Does Amethi have no dreams? Yes, it would like to be Baramati. But for that, UP has to become Maharashtraa growth engine. As of now, though, college student Ankush Tiwaris wish list is only to get to Mumbai for a job. Will UP's rural voters spring a surprise in this election? Rae Bareli is 'karmabhoomi' of both my 'mothers' Sonia and Indira Gandhi: Rahul

Good feedback for candidates in 13-14 seats in Karnataka: Congress leaders

BENGALURU: After the completion of Lok Sabha elections in the state, Congress is upbeat as the feedback and results of internal surveys have been positive for the party from most constituencies. Congress senior leader Saleem Ahmed said the party has received positive feedback from its partymen from about 18-20 constituencies. But some prudent leaders said the signs are good for the party in about 13-14 constituencies. When TNIE contacted the Congress unit in Davanagere, local leaders said they are fairly sure of the party doing well in all the eight Assembly segments in the constituency. The campaigning by party candidate Prabha Mallikarjun, who is pitted against BJPs Gayathri Siddeshwara, received good response, they added. Ballari workers and leaders too said the feedback from all the booths has been good for party candidate E Tukaram, who is contesting against BJPs B Sriramulu. The mood in Belgaum and Chikkodi constituencies in Belagavi district is in favour of Mrinal Hebbalkar and Priyanka Jarkiholi, party leaders said. This despite the fact that Congress has lost the previous three Lok Sabha elections in Belgaum. Priyanka is up against former sitting BJP MP Annasaheb Shankar Jolle, while Mrinal is contesting against former BJP CM Jagadish Shettar. Hassan Congress candidate Shreyas Patel, contesting against incumbent JDS MP Prajwal Revanna, and Star Chandru in Mandya, up against JDS state president HD Kumaraswamy, may have a good show, say party leaders, but are cautious about predicting the outcomes. The feedback is mixed from Gulbarga where AICC president Mallikarjun Kharges son-in-law Radhakrishna Doddamani is running against BJPs Umesh Jadva. This is because of a recent clash, where 50,000-60,000 members of one community attacked the houses of another community. But analyst BS Murthy pointed out that the Dalit and minority vote share here is so large that it dwarfs other communities. Congress is sure of good tidings in Raichur (ST reserved), where former IAS officer Kumar Naik is contesting against sitting MP and BJP candidate Raja Amareshwara Rai, they added. Congress is getting good vibes in Bengaluru Central and Rural, where Congress Mansoor Ali Khan and DK Suresh are contesting against BJPs PC Mohan and Dr CN Manjunath, the leaders said. The Grand Old Party is upbeat in Tumkur, where the partys Mudda Hanume Gowda is pitted against BJP leader V Somanna. While Lingayats have overwhelmingly supported Somanna, Vokkaligas, apart from SC/STs, Kurubas and minorities have backed Gowda, a Vokkaliga, they assessed. The party says it will fare well in Chikkaballapur, where Raksha Ramaiah, Youth Congress leader and son of former minister MR Seetharam, is the candidate against BJPs former state minister Dr K Sudhakar. Kolar too could be in the party candidates favour KV Gowtham, contesting against JDS Mallesh Babu, they added. The party leaders said the feedback is good from Mysore, where Congress spokesman and Vokkaliga leader M Lakshman is pitted against scion of the Mysuru royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Wadiyar. Chamarajanagar could have veered towards the partys Sunil Bose, up against BJPs little-known N Balraj, they added. But it is mixed for Bangalore South, where Congress Sowmya Reddy is contesting against BJPs Tejasvi Surya. But this is for the better as the prospects for Congress from the constituency in 2019 were poor, they said. Minister HK Patil said, We will win 18-20 seats in Karnataka and in North Karnataka where polls were held on May 7, we should win around 10 seats.

Motorcycle catches fire in Kothavalasa

Visakhapatnam: A motorcycle suddenly caught fire at Gayatrinagar on the Kothavalasa-Vizianagaram road Wednesday afternoon. The fire burnt down the vehicle completely. According to information, I. Venkata Rao, a resident of Gayatrinagar, went to Gidijala on his two-wheeler to fetch drinking water. While returning, he noticed a small spark. He immediately pulled to the side and stepped down to inspect. By then, the spark turned into a fire. In no time, the vehicle got completely burnt down. Venkata Rao said, Luckily, the tank had only a little bit of petrol. If petrol had been more, the vehicle could have exploded.

Janhvi Kapoor BLUSHES Hard Talking About Her 'Ideal' Partner; Paps Scream 'Mil Gaya Aapko' | Watch

Actress Janhvi Kapoor has been dating Shikhar Pahariya for about two years now. Janhvi's dad Boney Kapoor recently confirmed that the duo is in a committed relationship.

Buddy's Love | Song - Aa Pilla Kanule (Lyrical)

Watch the song 'Aa Pilla Kanule' from Telugu movie 'Buddy's Love' starring Allu Sirish and Gayatri Bhardwaj. 'Aa Pilla Kanule' is sung by Hiphop Tamizha, Sanjith Hegde, Airaa and Vishnupriya Ravi and music of the song is given by Hiphop Tamizha. Lyrics of 'Buddy's Love' song 'Aa Pilla Kanule' are written by Sai Hemanth. To know more about 'Aa Pilla Kanule' song from Allu Sirish and Gayatri Bhardwaj starrer 'Buddy's Love' watch the video.

Travel tips: Knowledge to Buddha, salvation to Jain; These 5 places tell the story of greatness and beauty of Bihar

Bihar is known for its rich history and heritage. There are many such historical places here, which not only attract tourists but also tell stories of ancient times. Let us know about 5 such major historical places in Bihar. This university was a glorious center of ancient education. During the 5th to 12th centuries, Nalanda University attracted students from all over the world. Various subjects including philosophy, logic, medical science, and astronomy were studied here. Even today the ruins here tell the stories of grand libraries, meditation halls, and residences. Bodhgaya is one of the most sacred places for the followers of Buddhism. This is the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple located here is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from this, there are many other temples and viharas in Bodh Gaya, which reflect the history and art of Buddhism. Rajgir used to be the capital of the Magadha Empire in ancient times. There are many historical places here, including Jarasandha Fort, Sonbhadra Temple, Venuvan, and Swarnabhadra Temple. These places attract lovers of ancient architecture and history. Vaishali was one of the ancient republics. The world's first republican constitution was written here. The Sanctuary Stupa and Koteshwar Nath Temple located in Vaishali are heritage sites of historical importance. Pawapuri is an important pilgrimage site for the followers of Jainism. It is believed that Lord Mahavir attained salvation here. There are many Jain temples here, of which the Jain temple group is the most prominent. (PC: Zee news)

Embark on a Japanese Culinary Voyage

Delve into the art of traditional Japanese cuisine at Conrad Bengaluru with the Robatayaki Affair- MIKUSU Matsuri from 14th to the 31st of May, 2024. Robatayaki, a time-honoured cooking style originating from Japan, promises an immersive culinary experience where choicest of ingredients are expertly grilled over an open flame, infusing each dish with unparalleled depth and flavour. Join us as we celebrate the rich heritage of Japanese gastronomy amidst the luxurious ambiance of Mikusu. Picture Courtesy : DC Known to be expertly grilled, the meticulously selected meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables are cooked to perfection by the Chefs at MIKUSU, enhancing its natural yet authentic flavours. Indulge in the exquisite flavors of authentic Japanese cuisine while gaining a deeper understanding of the culinary artistry behind Robatayaki. Set amidst an ambiance evoking the essence of the East, Robatayaki Affair MIKUSU Matsuri promises a dining experience and cultural celebration unlike any other. Feast on an array of delicacies cooked to subtle perfection like Nasu Dung Grilled Miso Glazed Eggplant, Thai Hasu No Kusu Sake Butter Grilled Lotus Steam, Portabella Shogayaki - Char Grill Portobello Mushroom with Ginger and Sweet Soy, Enoki Gyu - Tenderloin with Enoki and Kiko Glazed, Yaki Tori - Robata Grill Teriyaki Chicken Skewer and Saikyo Barramundi Yaki - Grilled Sea Bass with Mushroom and Miso Glazed. Experience the craftsmanship of Japanese mixology in each sip, savoring must-try cocktails like the Tomita Daiquiri, Hokkaido Gin Sour, Haiboru High Ball, alongside a selection of zero-proof options such as the Sakura Spritz, Yuzu Fizz, and Shikoku Mule. This array of beverages presents a delightful twist, blending flavors and techniques for a truly unique experience Picture Courtesy : DC The menu also includes Robatayaki combo with mini portions of soup, or salad to pick from, one starter, a mini serving of fried rice, a portion of green tea and unlimited flow of Sakura Cha at INR 2200 plus taxes for Vegetarian and INR 2800 plus taxes for non-vegetarian options. Picture Courtesy : DC Sharing his thoughts on the grand Robatayaki Affair, Chef Indra, Chef De Cuisine, Conrad Bengaluru says, We are thrilled to present the Robatayaki Affair at MIKUSU, as our ode to Japanese cuisine. Originating from Japan, Robatayaki is an ancient cooking method that we are excited to showcase to our guests with a taste for exploring diverse cultures and cuisines. From anime enthusiasts to pop-culture and Ramen aficionados, Bengaluru has demonstrated a keen interest in Japanese culture. We are delighted to offer this unique experience to our patrons at Conrad Bengaluru, where they can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Japanese cuisine and heritage Immerse yourself in a culinary celebration that seamlessly blends tradition and culture only at Robatayaki Affair MIKUSU Matsuri at Conrad Bengaluru. Experience the essence of Japanese cuisine like never before, as we invite you to indulge in a gastronomical journey that is sure to be etched in your memories. INR 6000 plus taxes for two (Food & Beverages) . For reservations, contact: +91 8022144444

Assam score big win over Tripura in Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's NFC

Assam score big win over Tripura in Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's NFC Assam moved to the top of Group G in the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Football Championship, defeating Tripura, while Arunachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh played out a goalless draw at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground. After the win on Monday, Assam has now garnered four points from two matches, and is at the top of Group G, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, who are on two points apiece. Tripura trails the pack with a solitary point to their name, as per a press release from the All India Football Federation (AIFF). *Assam demolish Tripura Assam 6 (Pintu Handique 34', 59', Nicodim Narjary 42', 45', Gwgwmsar Gayary 57', 86')beatTripura 0 Assam completed a 6-0 rout of Tripura as they moved to the top of Group G. The score was 3-0 in Assam's favour at half-time. Pintu Handique (34', 59'), Nicodim Narjary (42', 45'), and Gwgwmsar Gayary (57', 86') scored a brace each. It took Assam a little over half an hour to get going, when Narjary played a deft low cross to Handique, who slotted it in from close range. Narjary scored two in quick succession close to the half-time break. He had Ray Rajkumar to thank for both his goals, as the latter's pin-point crosses from the left flank handed the opportunities to Narjary, who, with two strikes, put his side 3-0 up at half-time. Tripura's miseries were doubled after the change of ends. Gayary and Handique scored two more, close to the hour mark, before the former put the final nail in the coffin with four minutes of regulation time left. A cross from the left by Ray Rajkumar caused some confusion inside the Tripura box, as Narjary ran onto the ball and scored. *Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh play out stalemate Arunachal Pradesh 0 drew with Madhya Pradesh 0 Arunachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh played out a goalless draw in a match that saw two contrasting halves. Madhya Pradesh had more impetus in the first half, as they looked to make inroads near the Arunachal penalty area. Naganba Waikhom had a good effort early on in the second minute from a free-kick that was approximately 30 yards out. While the Madhya Pradesh defender belted his effort, Arunachal keeper Anant Shah collected it without much fuss. Shijagurumayum Jackson perhaps had the best chance of the match for Madhya Pradesh in the 24th minute, when he ran onto a low cross inside the six-yard box, but ended up skying it. Arunachal Pradesh changed their tempo in the second half, mounting incessant attacks on the opposition goal. Their perseverance almost paid off in injury time, when Tobom Langkam's free-kick from a potentially dangerous position was blocked. (ANI)

Kotee | Song - Maathu Sothu (Lyrical)

Watch the song 'Maathu Sothu' from Kannada movie 'Kotee' starring Daali Dhananjaya and Moksha Kushal. 'Maathu Sothu' is sung by Armaan Malik and music of the song is given by Vasuki Vaibhav. Lyrics of 'Kotee' song 'Maathu Sothu' are written by Yogaraj Bhat. 'Kotee' also stars Ramesh Indira, Thara Anooradha, Rangayana Raghu and Thanuja Venkatesh in pivotal roles. To know more about 'Maathu Sothu' song from Daali Dhananjaya and Moksha Kushal starrer 'Kotee' watch the video.

Jiska launching rajneeti mein 20 baar fail ho gaya: Amit Shah takes dig at Rahul Gandhi

The News Mill

First-time Voters Show More Enthusiasm in AP State Elections

Visakhapatnam/Vijayawada/Kakinada: The debutants of democracy have stolen the spotlight in the Andhra Pradesh polls. With a staggering 9 lakh voters aged between 18 and 19, as many as 6,0007,000 new voters exercised their franchise in each constituency. The injection of fresh blood into the political spectrum promises to shake up the status quo, analysts note. Soon after casting their votes, several first-timers took to social media to share their inked index finger photos. The first-time voters had the luxury of casting two votes each for the assembly and parliament. These voters say they expect more employment opportunities, skill development training, encouragement to start-ups etc, and several of them aim to set up new units. They want governments to provide them interest-free loans and technical support to start their ventures. Lavanya, a 21-year-old MSc student, cast her vote for the first time with a clear agenda in mind. I am giving my first-time vote to form a new government that can provide more employment opportunities, she said. Vidya Roy, a second-year medical student, was excited about her participation in the electoral process for the first time. It was very easy to vote. The EVM machines showed us the party we voted for. The experience was great, she shared. Annadanapu Sravani, another first-time voter, acknowledged the convenience of voting with Aadhaar in lieu of a voter card but lamented the long waiting time. I was very excited to vote. The EVM process was easy, but the waiting process was too long, she remarked, underscoring the need for smoother logistical arrangements to accommodate the surge in young voters. Keerthana, a 20-year-old BTech student, emphasised the personal stakes involved in her voting decision. I have been benefited from schemes and want to make the government win so that many more can get benefitted, she said. Students like Kavya, Mounika and Likhita expressed their desire for a government that prioritises job creation and reforms in the education system. V. Srinivas from Vijayawada East constituency opted for the TD-JSP-BJP alliance candidate to bring about a change in government. Others, like V. Meghana, a techie working in Hyderabad, fulfilled their civic duty by casting their vote and encouraged fellow young voters to do the same. Siblings P. Manoj and P. Rohit felt elated to be voting for the first time and were pleased with the arrangements at the polling stations. G. Karthik, a student from Kakinada, travelled all the way here to cast his vote. V. Lavanya, a civil engineering graduate, highlighted the lack of minimum facilities and teaching staff in many private engineering colleges. She urged the government to ensure that college managements offer skill development centres without collecting extra fees. First-time voters in Tirupati and Chittoor districts exhibited great enthusiasm and embraced their civic duty passionately during the electoral process. Patnam Arya, influenced by his mother's teachings, highlighted the importance of voting as he proudly exercised his democratic right. However, the day faced challenges as Gayatri, another first-time voter, claimed her vote was fraudulently cast through impersonation at a polling booth in the Kuppam Assembly constituency. She lodged a complaint, leading to the authorities allowing her to cast a challenge vote. Some voters expressed their dissatisfaction with the candidates and opted for NOTA (None of the Above). They urged the government to curb corruption and protect natural resources and the environment. Many water bodies remain polluted, they stated.

Received very positive response... LJP candidate from Bihar's Samastipur Shambhavi Choudhary

Received very positive response... LJP candidate from Bihar's Samastipur Shambhavi Choudhary The Lok Janshakti Party candidate from Samastipur Lok Sabha seat, Shambhavi Choudhary on Monday said that she has received a very positive response from the people during the Lok Sabha polls. The election campaigning was good and I received a very positive response. There has been a natural connection with people since I'm young. There is an unbreakable bond with the people. One of the most important things is the blessings and respect that I've got from here. I am happy that the people are casting their votes, she said. The Samastipur Lok Sabha constituency, one of Bihar's 40 seats, holds significance as it is reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC). Shambhavi Choudhary, a third-generation politician and daughter of Ashok Choudhary, Bihar's rural works minister, contends for the Samastipur reserved constituency under the banner of Chirag Paswan's LJP. Congress has pitted Sunny Hazari from Samastipur aiming to secure victory in this crucial constituency. With 40 Lok Sabha constituencies, the fourth highest among all States and Union Territories, Bihar holds a crucial position in shaping Indian politics. On April 19, in the first phase the polling was held in four constituencies--Aurangabad, Gaya, Jamui and Nawada with 49.26 per cent voter turnout. In the second phase, the polling was held in five constituencies--Banka, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Kishanganj and Purnia with 59.45 per cent voter turnout on April 26. In the third phase of elections on May 7, Bihar's Jhanjharpur, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura and Khagaria went to polls and the state recorded 58.18 per cent voter turnout. The Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), the opposition coalition in Bihar, including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties, recently announced that the RJD, its largest constituent, will contest 26 out of the state's 40 Lok Sabha seats. As part of the NDA, BJP and JD(U) will contest on 17 and 16 seats respectively. In 2019, BJP-led NDA swept the state by winning 39 out of 40 seats, while Congress won just one seat. RJD, a formidable force in the state failed to open its account. (ANI)

In Hyderabad, crowds seen at eateries, not poll stations

Hyderabad: Despite conducive weather and several appeals to vote, the people in Hyderabad exhibited their indifference to the countrys electoral process by staying indoors or enjoying a long weekend with family. Though Monday was declared a holiday to make people participate in the countrys democratic process, the voters in Hyderabad were not ready to spare a couple of hours from the poll day. As the polling closed in the evening, only four in every 10 Hyderabadi voters 41.08 per cent turned up at polling stations in the 24 Assembly constituencies that fall in the GHMC limits. Even before the polls ended at 6 pm, commercial activity resumed in the city and people were seen crowding eateries. People were seen queuing up at a departmental store in Madhapur, while the polling booths in its vicinity hardly had any voters. After 5 pm, dozens of vehicles were parked in front of Durgam Cheruvu, Malkam Chervu and other parks. But no such activity was witnessed at the polling stations, which were located in a five km radius of these famous recreational spots. The polling stations at Jubilee Hills Road Number 10 (Gowtham Model School. near Gayatri Hills), Jubilee Hills Public School and MP Primary & ZP High School in Gachibowli wore a deserted look during the last hours of polls. The polling stations like Urdu Hall in Himayatnagar and Bhavans New Science College in Ramkote saw no activity. According to Election Commission of India (ECI) data, Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency had seen a 39.17 per cent voter turnout, while Secunderabad witnessed 42.48 per cent. The polling percentage in the Chevella Lok Sabha constituency, which covers the citys famous IT corridor in addition to rural segments, was 53.15 per cent. However, the voting percentage in urban segments of this constituency Serilingampally was low at 41.7 per cent. In Malkajgiri parliamentary constituency, the polling percentage was 46.27 per cent. In the city, the Assembly segment with lowest polling are Bahadurpura (34.19 per cent), followed by Nampally (37.30 per cent ) and Malakpet (37.84 per cent). In the recently held Assembly elections also, the lowest polling percentage was recorded in the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency, which covers Old City, and in Nampally that falls in the Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency. The highest polling percentage in the city was recorded in Rajendranagar (50.54 per cent), Maheshwaram (49.77 per cent) and Quthbullapur (48.20 per cent). Though these Assembly segments fall within GHMC limits, they have dozens of hamlets that are located in city outskirts with rural populations. While those who did not turn up at the polling booth disappointed the country, those who cast their vote expressed their joy in being active participants in the countrys democratic process. Every vote matters, voting makes the society better. It is ridiculous that some people do not cast their vote and later blame the government for everything, said Dr Laxmi Divya, who cast her vote in Maharishi Vidya Mandir School, Kondapur. As the voting percentage was less, the people with social consciousness voluntarily reached out to their neighbours to prod them to cast their vote on Monday afternoon. Dr Shaimaa, a resident of AC Guards, said: This is such an important duty of each and every one who is having a valid vote. This day will decide our fate for the next five years. Its so disappointing. I guess these are the people who complain later if things wont work accordingly. As other political specialists explained, Hyderabad is populated mostly by people who have their roots in Andhra Pradesh. Several of them have votes in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Such people left Hyderabad to exercise their right to vote at their native places, said Dr Anitha Reddy, former principal for Osmania affiliated college. Around 50,000, according to an estimate, seem to have left for Andhra Pradesh from Serilingampally and its surrounding areas alone. This will obviously reflect in the lower voter percentage, she said.

RCB's Dressing Room Celebration After Big Win Over DC Leaves Fans Ecstatic: 'Maza Aa Gaya..'

RCB's dressing room celebration after big win over DC goes viral

An evening with RaGa at The Hindu

Ranjani and Gayatri shared insights into their journey at the TH Fridays interactive session.

OMG: O Manchi Ghost - Official Teaser

Watch the Official Teaser from Telugu movie 'OMG: O Manchi Ghost' starring Vennela Kishore, Shakalaka Shankar, Nandita Swetha, Navami Gayak, Naveen Neni, Rajat Ragava, Raghu Babu, Nagineedu and Bahubali Prabhakar. 'OMG: O Manchi Ghost' movie is directed by Shankar Marthand. To know more about 'OMG: O Manchi Ghost' Teaser watch the video. Check out the latest Telugu Teasers, new movie Teasers, trending Telugu movie Teasers and more at ETimes - Times of India Entertainment.

US forces to bolster presence in sleepy far-flung Philippine towns countering China threats

US forces to bolster presence in sleepy far-flung Philippine towns countering China threats The far-flung coastal town of Santa Ana in the northeastern tip of the Philippine mainland has long been known by tourists for its beaches, waterfalls, fireflies and a few casinos. But that's changing after the laid-back town of about 35,000 people, which still has no traffic light, became strategically important to America. The United States and the Philippines, which are longtime treaty allies, have identified Santa Ana in northern Cagayan province as one of nine mostly rural areas where rotating batches of American forces could encamp indefinitely and store their weapons and equipment on local military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. Thousands of US forces withdrew from two huge Navy and Air Force bases in the Philippines in the early 1990s at the end of the Cold War, ending nearly a century of American military presence in the country. In recent years, Washington has been reinforcing an arc of military alliances in Asia to counter an increasingly assertive China, which it now regards as its greatest security challenge. That dovetails with Philippine efforts to bolster its external defenses after an alarming spate of territorial hostilities with Beijing in the South China Sea that started last year. The high seas confrontations have injured several Filipino navy personnel, damaged their boats and strained diplomatic ties. The remote town of Santa Ana is caught in the geo-political rivalry between Washington and Beijing because of its strategic location. It lies across a sea border from Taiwan, the self-governing island that China regards as a renegade province to be reclaimed by force if necessary. The U.S. has vowed to defend the territory. Some villagers in Santa Ana have expressed apprehension over the prospect of living near U.S. forces. Their governor, Manuel Mamba, has vehemently opposed the looming U.S. military presence, saying it would turn Cagayan into a military target of China. Other villagers say the Philippines needs the Americans as a crucial counterweight to China, which they say has been using its military might to threaten Manila's territorial interests in the South China Sea. There's no choice. If you compare the number of our forces with that of China, they have much, much more, Romeo Asuncion, a planning and economic development officer in Santa Ana, told The Associated Press. If the Americans are here, they would protect us whatever happens. There's also the prospect of economic benefits and aid from the U.S. military presence. If they donate a school that will be good, Asuncion said. Rowena Castillo, a consultant to the town's mayor, expressed hope the wider attention on Santa Ana would boost tourism. She recently handed out brochures promoting the town's beach resorts, waterfalls, a historic lighthouse, a crocodile-shaped island and an area that teems with fireflies. Some villagers acknowledged that even without the U.S. forces, the town would likely be affected in any major-power military showdown due to Santa Ana's relative proximity to Taiwan. Authorities and village leaders recently met at the initiative of the local military to discuss contingency plans, including the possibility of setting up emergency shelters for refugees, in case tensions between China and Taiwan flare into an armed conflict, Marion Miranda, Santa Ana's disaster-mitigating officer, told The AP. ''One problem is where we could bring potential refugees and the budget for that, Miranda said. In another rural Cagayan town southwest of Santa Ana called Lal-lo, part of the airport was designated as a possible encampment site for American forces. Unlike the two massive military bases that American forces used to occupy, including a Navy base at Subic Bay that was about the size of Singapore and had a vibrant red-light district, the U.S. military is building a new presence in a much smaller area within Philippine camps. During largescale combat drills called Balikatan Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder that ended Friday, Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters carrying allied forces, their weapons and other supplies landed and took off at the Lal-lo airport and the navy camp in Santa Ana. A few journalists, including from The AP, were invited to witness the combat maneuvers. ''It's an important location. It's critical because it is an EDCA site so it's a very big deal to both the United States and to the Philippines, U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Matthew Schultz told journalists at Lal-lo airport. ''One of the challenges that we have in this airfield now is there is not a lot of parking space or taxiways or additional apron space in order to facilitate a lot of aircraft, Schultz said. The EDCA accord, which was signed in 2014, had an initial term of 10 years and has been automatically extended with both sides in agreement, Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez said by telephone from Washington. The agreement allows rotating batches of U.S. forces to stay rent-free at the military sites and store their defense equipment except nuclear weapons there. The U.S. has allocated more than $82 million for the construction of ammunition and fuel storage, an urban combat training facility, aircraft parking, runway repairs and warehouses for humanitarian response items in the first five EDCA sites. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed to add four more EDCA sites where U.S. forces could stay, including the Philippine navy camp in Santa Ana and the Lal-lo airport, last year. Marcos and other Philippine officials say the renewed U.S. military presence would bolster Philippine external defense and help Filipinos respond more rapidly to natural disasters and is not directed at any country. China, however, has expressed alarm over the increased U.S. troop deployments in the Philippines and elsewhere in Asia and said the EDCA sites in the northern Philippines could serve as surveillance outposts and staging grounds for U.S. forces to contain Beijing.

kidney patients in Kerala among worst hit by heat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The blistering heat has affected different people in different ways. For dialysis patients, most of whom have been medically advised not to drink more than half a litre of water daily, it has been particularly bad. S Lallu, a senior associate editor with News 18 television channel, recently shared his plight on Facebook. In his post, the 42-year-old, who has stage-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), said he undergoes dialysis thrice a week, with each session lasting nearly four hours. He was diagnosed with renal disease two years ago. A passionate journalist, Lallu hates idling around. So, he starts two of his weekly dialysis sessions at 6 am and the third on Saturday night after office hours, so that he can rest the next day. Despite being a foodie, the disease has forced him to cut down on his food intake and above all, fluids. Lallus nephrologist has advised him against taking foods that contain coconut and fruit. I am on a strict diet, without which the level of electrolytes in my body -- sodium and potassium -- would go up. I used to drink lots of fluids.But this summer, I can hardly take 500-800ml of water. This also includes tea and other beverages, as well as water content in the food. I ensure that I do not exert myself. I do not pass urine more than twice a day, Lallu told TNIE . Hailing from Paravoor, Kollam, Lallu has completed nearly 80% of the medical tests to register for a cadaver kidney under the state governments Mrithasanjeevani organ donation programme. He requires Rs 50,000 a month for dialysis, medicines and injections. There are several thousand renal patients who are in the same boat as Lallu. A 28-year-old woman, who is not keen to reveal her identity, has had a harrowing time this summer. The Kochi native who works for a private firm in Thiruvananthapuram said she finds it difficult to quench her thirst. Its been six months since I was diagnosed with renal failure and I currently undergo dialysis thrice a week. Im yet to come to terms with the fact that I cant drink over 600ml of water a day. In fact, I watch food channel videos on social media to overcome my craving for fluids, she says, describing her hapless situation. A senior Congress leaders son who had undergone kidney transplantation two years ago is currently leading a normal life. Since it was his mother who donated one of her kidneys, the youth was allowed to drink water after two days of the surgery. According to doctors, when a cadaver kidney is transplanted, the patient will have to wait for a while before normal fluid intake. Until a patients urea and creatinine levels normalise, they are administered fluids intravenously. Dr Jayant Thomas Mathew, senior consultant nephrologist at Lisie Hospital, Kochi, admits that this summer has been particularly bad for dialysis patients. When easing water intake curbs for dialysis patients during the summer, we take into account urine output and fluid status. I ask some of my patients to chew gum, which helps them develop saliva. I also urge them to carry ice cubes to lower their thirst. I have been relentlessly asking patients to avoid strenuous exercise, Dr Jayant pointed out. However, some patients who suffer from oedema and those who have more urine output have been lucky to an extent as Dr Jayant advises them to have 1,500ml of water a day. With over 17 years of experience in the health sector, Anoop S Nair, a PRO with NIMS Hospital Neyyattinkara, knows most of the doctors in Thiruvananthapuram. In 2020, a year before the Covid outbreak, his wife, Gayatri, developed a urinary infection. The couple were shocked when doctors asked her to undergo kidney transplantation. As the 33-year-old was advised emergency surgery, her mother, Sunitha decided to donate one of her kidneys. The transplantation went well and she recovered fast. Later, after she contracted Covid-19, Gayatri was advised by a doctor to take an immunoglobulin injection, which cost Rs 50,000, recounts Anoop. We wanted to enhance her immunity. Moreover, we did it on the advice of her doctor. Recently, her donor kidney stopped functioning, which dealt a huge blow to us. Now, Gayatri is again undergoing dialysis. She is having a tough time. Honestly, I dont know how she is managing. Gayatri drinks tea twice a day and sometimes takes ice cubes. She holds ice water in her mouth for a while and drinks it slowly, said Anoop. Gayatris treatment was moved to Kochi after doctors in the state capital gave her a wrong diagnosis when her donor kidney got rejected. She was scheduled to undergo immunotherapy cancer treatment when a doctor, who Anoop knows personally, said its the wrong diagnosis. Anoop recalls that if she had undergone cancer treatment, Gayatri would have collapsed. A mural artist, the renal disease has pushed her passion to the sidelines. She now undergoes dialysis thrice a week at a private hospital near Pattom. For renal treatment, we regularly travel to Kochi, adds Anoop. DONOR DATA No. of kidney donors from Kerala between August 2012 to January 2023, as per Kerala Network for Organ Sharing -- the Mrithasanjeevani Programme (deceased donor transplant data). 2,279 Kidney patients awaiting transplantation surgery, as of May 12, 2024

Gayatri Projects promoters file plea against liquidation

However, a successful outcome is far from easy as any settlement with promoters under Section 12A of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) needs approval from 90% of lenders.

Gaya woman gets second life as mother-in-law donates her kidney

West Bengal: Sandeshkhali on boil again, fresh protests erupt over fake videos

Local Trinamool leaders Dilip Mullick and Tatan Gayan were beaten up by women for making fake videos by women, supporting BJP, in presence of local Trinamool MLA Sukumar Mahato.

Its a sin to weaken Constitution: Priyanka Gandhi

HYDERABAD: AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi said weakening democracy and changing the Constitution in the name of dharma is a sin. She called upon the people to choose between tanashahi (dictatorship) and mazbooth loktantra, and Modi manmaani (Modis whims and fancies) and samvidhan (Constitution). On Saturday, Priyanka attended a public rally and a roadshow in Tandur and Kamareddy along with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. The Gandhi scion, who had extensively toured Telangana during the Assembly elections, campaigned in the state for the Lok Sabha elections only on the last day. She called upon people to declare that they dont need hatred. She asked them to fight for the protection of the Constitution and reservations and added that the Constitution was drafted after struggles and the shedding of the blood of our ancestors. You [the people] should tell Modi that you need work, employment, development, aid to farmers and women empowerment. Bahut ho gaya hai (enough with Modis rule) and people dont need him any more, she said. Accusing Modi of doing nothing during his 10-year rule, she alleged that instead of seeking votes based on his performance, he is targeting the Congress. He speaks about Congress Nyay Patra [manifesto] without reading its contents, she remarked. I want to ask him [PM], what is there in their manifesto? They have just changed the names of the schemes implemented by the Congress, and added the photo of Modi, she said. She also alleged that the Modi government resorted to the biggest scam in the form of electoral bonds. She also accused the PM of giving the countrys resources to his billionaire friends and waiving `16,000 crore loans. She said that the BJP is trying to divide people in the name of dharma during elections. Stating that the Congress followed the Hindu dharma adhering to satya and ahimsa, Priyanka said that Mahatma Gandhi carried out all his agitations duly following the Hindu dharma and with the spirit of satya and ahimsa. She recalled that Gandhis last words were Hey Ram when he was shot dead.

Buddha's Birthday: Global Celebrations and Observances

Buddha's Birthday: Global Celebrations and Observances The birthday of the historical Buddha or Shakyamuni Buddha, known as Vesak in several countries, celebrates the birth of the child who became Prince Siddhartha around the end of the 4th century B.C. This is a holy occasion for all Buddhists, but is celebrated on different dates depending on the school of Buddhism or country to which one belongs. In several Asian countries, it is observed on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunisolar calendar, which this year falls on May 15. In several South and Southeast Asian countries, it is celebrated on the first full moon of May, which falls on May 23. BUDDHA'S BIRTH AND LIFE Siddhartha was born in Lumbini, which is at the border of what is India and Nepal today. His mother, Maya, was the wife of Suddhodana, king of the Shakya clan. According to Buddhist lore, when she conceived, the queen dreamed that an auspicious white elephant entered her womb. A number of texts recount the child's miraculous birth, detailing how the baby was received by the gods Indra and Brahma, and took seven steps soon after he was born. He is then believed to have received a cleansing bath from the gods, or dragon kings, depending on the country or culture where the legend originated. Suddhodana sheltered his son from pain and suffering, believing that keeping him isolated would put him on the path to becoming king. However, he could not protect Siddhartha for long, and the prince began to reflect after witnessing sickness, old age and death. Disillusioned by the impermanence of life, Siddhartha engaged in six years of ascetic practice and attained enlightenment at the age of 35 in Bodh Gaya in northeast India. He then became known as the Buddha, which means the awakened one. WHY AND HOW IS BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED? Buddhists around the world use this time to not only celebrate, but also reflect on Buddha's teachings and what it means to practice the faith. In many parts of Asia, the sacred day marks not just the birth, but also the enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. In most Asian cultures and the diaspora, Buddhists go to their local temples and participate in chanting, meditation and festivities all day. Families decorate their homes with lanterns and gather for feasts. KOREAS Buddha's birthday is a national holiday in South Korea. The highlight of the celebration in Seoul is the lotus lantern festival called Yeondeunghoe, a parade of thousands of colourful, lighted paper lanterns often shaped like lotus flowers that are hung in temples and streets. On Buddha's birthday, many temples provide free meals and tea to all visitors. Festivities in temple yards and parks include traditional games and various performing arts displays. The luminous display is believed to symbolize the light of Buddha's teachings. While Buddha's birthday is not an official holiday in North Korea, it has been observed in Buddhist temples there since 1988. In 2018, Buddhist monks in North and South Korea held joint services when animosities between their governments eased. But such exchange programs have been stalled in the past few years due to tensions over North Korea's nuclear programme. CHINA In China, the faithful do a bathing ceremony that involves pouring scented blessed water over a statue of the infant Buddha whose right forefinger is pointed upwards toward the sky and left forefinger is pointing down to the Earth. According to legend, the Buddha announced shortly after being born that he would have no more rebirths, and the dragons of heaven baptized him with pure water. JAPAN In Japan, April 8 is observed as Buddha's birthday and is celebrated in Buddhist temples as Hana Matsuri, which means flower festival. On this day, a small flower hall is set up on temple grounds and decorated with colourful flowers. A bowl of water with a statue of the baby Buddha is placed in the middle and devotees pour sweet tea on the head of the statue. A priest performs the Kambutsu-e nativity festival recreating Buddha's birth in the garden of Lumbini. SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA Countries in South and Southeast Asia celebrate Buddha's birthday on the full moon of the second lunar month known as Vesakha or Vaisakha. The Sanskrit word for full moon is Purnima, which is why the holiday is also called Buddha Purnima. The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is decorated on this day and devotees perform special prayers under the bodhi tree under which the Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. In India and Nepal, sweet rice porridge is served on this day to recall the story of Sujata, a maiden who offered the Buddha a bowl of milk porridge. In Malaysia and China, caged animals and birds are set free on Buddha's birthday because people believe it is good karma. In Sri Lanka, celebrants decorate homes and streets with candles and paper and bamboo lanterns. Festivities feature devotional songs, decorative structures called pandals, burning of incense and electric light displays depicting stories from Buddha's life. In Vietnam, Buddha's birthday is a still popular festival, but not a public holiday, which it was from 1958 to 1975 in what was formerly South Vietnam.

Stebin Ben: Performing at SRCC was beautiful

The Shri Ram College of Commerce crowd was in for a treat as Rula Ke Gaya Ishq singer Stebin Ben performed on the last day of Crossroads, the annual cultural fest of SRCC

BMW Motorrad Expands Presence in South India with New Dealership in Coimbatore

BMW Motorrad Expands Presence in South India with New Dealership in Coimbatore Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India - 11 May,2024 Explore the fascinating range of BMW Motorrad motorcycles, Lifestyle and Accessories. Dedicated aftersales facility for comprehensive vehicle service. KUN Motorrad has been appointed as the BMW Motorrad dealer partner in Coimbatore. The dealership is located at No. 1247 & 1248 Mettupalayam Main Road Coimbatore and is headed by Mr. U Venkatesh, Dealer Principal, KUN Motorrad. Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, said, ''At BMW Motorrad, we pledge more than just exceptional motorcycles, we offer moments that define a lifetime. Each one of our bikes is crafted with the passion and precision suited to every breed of rider. We are excited to welcome KUN Motorrad as our new dealer in Coimbatore, a partnership that reinforces our commitment to delivering unmatched experiences to our vibrant community of enthusiasts. This new facility stands as a cornerstone in our mission to enrich the riding culture in the region.'' Mr. U Venkatesh, Dealer Principal, KUN Motorrad said, ''We are immensely proud of our enduring partnership with BMW Motorrad and are excited to extend our reach into Coimbatore. This venture is a strategic move to harness the burgeoning market potential in Tamil Nadu. The inauguration of our Coimbatore dealership marks a significant milestone in providing unparalleled sales and aftersales services to motorcycle aficionados. Moreover, we are dedicated to fostering a robust riding community, celebrating the passion for exploration, and embracing the spirit of adventure with our motto, Make Life a Ride.'' The dealership facility is spread across 3,300 sq.ft. The showroom showcases 6 motorcycles, a customer lounge, cafe and a wide array of BMW Motorrad accessories and lifestyle merchandise. The aftersales facility has 3 mechanical bays for complete vehicle service. KUN Motorrad delivers international standards of sales, service, spare-parts and business systems in all processes to ensure that customers receive best-in-class pre and post sales ownership experience. If you have any queries, please contact: BMW Group India Abhay Dange, Director, Press and Corporate Affairs Cell: +91 9910481013; Tel: + 91 124 4566600; Email: Abhay.Dange@bmw.in Satchit Gayakwad, Press and Corporate Affairs Cell: +91 9560725900; Tel: + 91 124 4566906; Email: Satchit.Gayakwad@bmw.in Internet: www.bmw.in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwindia Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmwindia YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bmwindia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwindia_official (Disclaimer : The above Press Release is provided by HT Syndication and PTI will not take any editorial responsibility of this content.).

Je Jatt Vigarh Gaya | Song - Vailpuna

Watch the song Vailpuna from Punjabi movie Je Jatt Vigarh Gaya starring Jai Randhawa, Deep Sehgal, Pawan Malhotra, Gurdeep Grewal, Abhey Attri and Aman Sutdhar. Vailpuna is sung by Jordan Sandhu and music of the song is given by Desi Crew. Lyrics of Je Jatt Vigarh Gaya song Vailpuna are written by Preeta. To know more about Vailpuna song from Jai Randhawa, Deep Sehgal, Pawan Malhotra, Gurdeep Grewal, Abhey Attri and Aman Sutdhar starrer Je Jatt Vigarh Gaya watch the video.

Bihar: 2 Modi ministers lock in tight contest

PATNA : The fourth phase of Lok Sabha election in Bihar will decide the fate of not only the veterans of several electoral battles but also of those making debut in politics. Two Union ministers, Giriraj Singh and Nityanand Rai, are locked in a neck-to-neck fight in their respective constituencies this time. Five Lok Sabha constituencies, namely Darbhanga, Ujiarpur, Samastipur, Begusarai and Munger will go to polls scheduled to be held on May 13. Giriraj Singh, known to be the BJPs firebrand leader, is contesting election from Begusarai yet one more time. He is pitted against former MLA and CPI candidate Awadhesh Kumar Rai. Singh is seeking a re-election from the seat. Begusarai Lok Sabha constituency is a stronghold of upper caste Bhumihars. Most candidates who have won from Begusarai belonged to Bhumihar caste, including Giriraj Singh, who had defeated CPI candidate Kanhaiya Kumar by a margin of 4.2 lakh votes in the 2019 election. Similarly, Union Minister of State for Home and senior BJP leader Nityanand Rai is trying his luck from Ujiarpur seat again. While seeking votes for him recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Rai his jigri (favourite) and promised to make him a bada aadmi (big man) in future. He is locked in a direct contest with senior RJD leader and former minister Alok Kumar Mehta, considered close to RJD supremo Lalu Prasad. However, Rai who had won Lok Sabha election twice in 2014 and 2019, is facing anti-incumbency. The seat has been held by the National Democratic Alliance ever since it was created after delimitation in 2008. In the 2009 election, Ashwamedh Devi of JD(U) had won the election by defeating Alok Kumar Mehta. Rai is now trying to make a hat-trick from Ujiarpur. The seat has a strong Yadav voter base, a community Rai belongs to. Apart from Yadavs, the constituency also has a good population of upper castes, Kushwahas, SCs, particularly Paswans and Maha Dalits. Similarly, BJP MP Gopal Jee Thakur is contesting election from Darbhanga. A PhD holder, Thakur is pitted against senior RJD leader and former minister Lalit Yadav, a postgraduate in Sociology from Lalit Narayan Mithila University. Yadav is known for his muscle power in the region. RJD had last won this seat in 2004 by defeating BJPs Kirti Azad. In Samastipur seat reserved for Scheduled Castes, the son and daughter of two JD(U) leaders are pitted against each other. Bihars rural works minister Ashok Choudharys daughter Shambhavi Choudhary is contesting election on a ticket from the LJP (Ram Vilas). She is pitted against Congress nominee Sunny Hazari, son of senior JD(U) minister Maheshwar Hazari. Recently, Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar had warned his cabinet colleague Hazari against seeking votes for his son. In an election rally addressed by Kumar in Samastipur constituency, Hazari was not even present. From Munger constituency, former JD(U) president Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh is pitted against RJD candidate Kumari Anita, wife of muscleman Ashok Mahto. Singh, who defeated Congress Nilam Devi in 2019 elections, is eyeing his fourth win from Munger. Lalan Singh had first won the election from the Munger seat in 2009 but lost to LJP leader Veena Devi in 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held election rallies in Munger and Darbhanga recently and appealed to voters to vote for NDA candidates in the ongoing elections in the state. All the five seats where elections are due to be held on May 13 are held by the NDA three of them by BJP and one each by JD(U) and LJP (Ram Vilas). For RJD, there is nothing to lose in this phase. But for NDA, its prestige is at stake as all the five seats going to polls in this phase are held by it, said a political analyst, Pramod Kumar. Bihar has 40 Lok Sabha seats. Elections were earlier held in Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada and Jamui in the first phase; Purnea, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Kishanganj and Banka in the second, and Madhepura, Araria, Supaul, Khagaria and Jhanjharpur in the third.

Congress MLAs in touch with BJP, government will collapse in Karnataka after LS polls: R Ashoka

BENGALURU: The Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, R Ashoka, on Friday predicted the fall of the Congress government in Karnataka soon after the results of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections are announced on June 4. Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Ashoka said that the Congress MLAs who are fed up with the functioning of the Siddaramaiah government will themselves bring the government down. The government is all set to crumble... Many had claimed that it was impossible to bring down governments. But what happened with Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and also in Karnataka? We have proved that it is possible, the BJP leader said. Asked if Congress MLAs are in touch with the BJP, Ashoka clarified that because they are in touch with them (BJP), he is predicting the fall of the Congress government. I dont deny that some of them (Congress MLAs) are in touch with us. The countdown for the fall of the State Government has started, he added. He alleged that DyCM and KPCC president, DK Shivakumar, had said in Mandya that if the Congress could not win in the Lok Sabha polls, the government will collapse. CM Siddaramaiahs son had also alleged that the BJP is offering Rs 30 crore to Rs 50 crore per MLA. They (Congress leaders) are only predicting the collapse of the government. Several Congress MLAs are fed up with the government as not even a single paise has been released for development, Ashoka claimed. He also alleged that the people of Karnataka are cursing the Congress Government, as it has not taken up any development work since coming to power last year. He alleged that the State Government has not released the dues to milk producers and the salaries of the 108 ambulance drivers. About 2 lakh children have not joined anganwadis due to the poor quality of food, he added. He further alleged that the State Government has not even released a single naya paisa for drought relief. The grants from boards and corporations, including those meant for the welfare of SCs/STs, BCs, and Veerashaiva Lingayats have been withdrawn. How can this government serve the poor? he charged.

The Hindu Fridays: Ranjani and Gayatri discuss Ilaiyaraaja, music and more

Hyderabad Experiences Mixed Weather

Hyderabad : Hyderabad experienced a mixed bag of weather on Friday, with intense rainfall hitting multiple parts of the city, leading to scattered storms and significant rainfall accumulations, according to the TS Development Planning Society. Scattered storms occured in north Hyderabad, with an average of 4.7mm of rainfall in the city. Surrounding districts also saw light rains at isolated areas including Kamareddy, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Medak, Siddipet, Rangareddy and Khammam. Power outages were also reported in Secunderabad, Alwal and Kukatpally. In many areas the power was restored in less than 15 minutes. To report power outages , people can contact round the clock customer service centres centralised trouble call centres by dialing 1912, a department official said. The highest recorded rainfall was at Jeedimetla in Quthbullapur at 37.8 mm. This was closely followed by 33.5 mm in Gayatrinagar and 29.8 mm at ESS Gajularamaram, both also in Quthbullapur and Aadharshnagar in Ferozguda recording 20.8 mm. The rain in the city began around 5.30 pm in the outskirts and 6 pm in the core of the city. Netizens took to X to share videos and pictures of their balconies, roads and winds that shook strong trees. These varied rainfall figures across the city culminated in a Friday marked by intense short spells that affected daily life, creating wetter conditions and causing disruptions in several areas. Weather experts suggest that the pattern of scattered storms might continue, particularly affecting areas like Sangareddy and Vikarabad with substantial rainfall anticipated.

Triangular Battle Brews in Zaheerabad Lok Sabha Seat: Advantage Congress

Congress, BRS, and BJP vie for victory, Lingayat community's sway crucial, Congress banking on MLAs' support, BJP on Modi wave

Check Out Popular Telugu Devotional Video Song 'Sri Durga Gayatri Mantram' Sung By Guna Sundeep, Sravya Attili and Radhagopee

Listen to the devotional song 'Sri Durga Gayatri Mantram' online sung by Guna Sundeep, Sravya Attili and Radhagopee. The music of Sri Durga Gayatri Mantram composed by Sarathee R G and lyrics are also written by Sarathee R G. Stay tuned to ETimes for more devotional songs like Sri Durga Gayatri Mantram and play most popular religious songs, bhajans, aartiyan, chants, katha, kirtan and other collection of meditative & soul-stirring music.

Enjoy The New Gujarati Music Video For Cham Aa Gharmo Parnai By Chintan Prajapati And Jaya Patel

Enjoy the latest Gujarati song Cham Aa Gharmo Parnai sung by Chintan Prajapati and Jaya Patel. The music for this captivating track has been composed by Dhruvin Mevada and Rajni Prajapati, with heartfelt lyrics penned by Mahindar and Dr Jayesh Rajgor. The music video for Cham Aa Gharmo Parnai has been skillfully directed by Faruk Gayakwad. Don't miss the opportunity to watch the latest Gujarati video song Cham Aa Gharmo Parnai, by Chintan Prajapati and Jaya Patel and immerse yourself in its mesmerizing melodies. For more Gujarati songs, be sure to visit the music videos section of Gujarati ETimes. Experience the musical prowess of Chintan Prajapati and Jaya Patel, New Video Songs of 2024, Dhruvin Mevada and Rajni Prajapati songs, Gujarati Gana Video Song, Faruk Gayakwad music videos and Mahindar and Dr Jayesh Rajgor songs.

Today's Birthday: 10th May 2024

Happy birthday and welcome to this special section of Webdunia English. Here, we render the astro updates and sheds light on the personality of the birthday boy/girl. Here we go: If your birthday falls on the 10 th of the month, then your birth number is (1+0) =1. You are born with a penchant for a lavish lifestyle and hate to take directives from anyone. Bravery and curiosity are your main traits. The birth number is influenced by the sun. People influenced by the sun are headstrong and ambitious. However, it is very difficult for others to understand your personality. You have a great aesthetic sense and optimism builds up you as a troubleshooter. Due to immense self belief you are often the centre of attention of any function or social gathering. Lucky Day : 1,10,19,28 Lucky Number : : 1, 10, 19, 28, 37, 46, 55, 64, 73, 82 Lucky Year : 2017, 2026, 2044, 2053, 2062 Ishtdev: Sun, Goddess Gayatri Lucky color : Red, Saffron,Cream The year ahead:- The year is set to bring a lot of happiness in your life. The work pending for a long time will be completed. You live a healthy and disease free life this year. Nubile boys and girls will be getting hitched this year. Recruitment for unemployed and promotion for already employed is on the cards. Celebs with birth number 1 Chhatrapati Shivaji Indira Gandhi Jackie Shroff Veer Savarkar Mirza Ghalib Sikander

PM Modi pays homage to 12th-century social reformer Basaveshwara

PM Modi pays homage to 12th-century social reformer Basaveshwara Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tributes to Basaveshwara, a revered 12th century statesman, poet and philosopher, on his birth anniversary. Modi said on X, ''I pay homage to Jagadguru Basaveshwara on the special occasion of Basava Jayanthi. His ideals illuminate millions of lives. We are working towards fulfilling his dreams of a just and prosperous society.'' Also known as Basava, he espoused equality among human beings and spoke against any form of discrimination. He is a revered figure, especially among Lingayats who are concentrated mostly in Karnataka. In separate posts, the prime minister also greeted people on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya and the birth anniversary of saint Parshuram.

R Ashoka slams Pitrodas statement

BENGALURU: Leader of Opposition R Ashoka said BJP Karnataka condemns the statement of Congress leader Sam Pitorda on the looks of Indians South India has a history of over 5,000 years, and without knowing this, Pitroda has made such a statement. We condemn it, he said on Thursday. Pitrodas statement reflects the mentality of the Congress. The party has called South Indians, who have a history of 5,000 years, as Africans. Vokkaligas, Lingayats and Dalits are given colours by Congress leaders. Congress MP DK Suresh had earlier spoken about dividing the nation, and now Pitrodas statement is about racism. These are the ideologies of Congress leaders, he said. He criticised Siddaramaiah for relaxing in Ooty, when people in Karnataka are facing drought and there is no fodder for cattle.

Dont rush to become CM, you may fail: Somanna to DKS

BENGALURU: With Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy continuing their slugfest over Hassan JDS MP Prajwal Revannas alleged sex scandal, leaders cutting across party-lines, close to both of them, feel it is unwarranted, even as it is imperative for the guilty to be punished. The issue escalated into a spat between Vokkaliga leaders within the JDS and Congress, with equal number of them siding strongly with either Kumaraswamy or Shivakumar on the issue. However, certain non-Vokkaliga leaders, including ministers within the Congress government and some BJP leaders from the Old Mysuru region, have been cautious in this regard. Former minister V Somanna, speaking his mind, on Thursday suggested that Shivakumar should refrain from attacking former prime minister HD Deve Gowda and his family. Dont rush to become the chief minister. If you take decisions in a hurry, there are chances it will backfire, the senior Veerashaiva Lingayat leader warned. Shivakumar has attained all the posts, and is just one step away from the top post. I was the one who wished that he become CM when the Congress came to power in the state, since both of us hail from the same taluk, he observed. Somanna, however, clarified that if the charges against Prajwal are proven, he should be given the harshest punishment. It may be noted here that Somanna has been on good terms with Shivakumar all along. The JDS rank and file held protests across the Old Mysuru region, targeting Shivakumar. If Shivakumar continues to drag the Gowda family into the Prajwal row, the JDS would use it as an opportunity to reorganise itself. The outcome of the Lok Sabha polls will also have a bearing on the regional partys future prospects, observed a political analyst. The poll results will be out on June 4. JDS core committee chairman GT Deve Gowda, who held a meeting on Thursday, said the party will launch its membership drive soon to strengthen the organisation ahead of the ZP/TP polls expected to be held in July. The JDS party is still a force in Mandya, Kolar, Tumakuru, Bengaluru Rural, and Hassan, with no dearth of candidates to contest the polls for the rural local bodies, said TR Nagaraju, a former mayor of Tumakuru.

Schoolboy found dead in Gaya

72-yr-old man shot dead in Gaya

SpiceJet starts Hajj operations with Srinagar to Jeddah flight

SpiceJet won the bid to operate 102 special flights, catering to over 13,800 pilgrims from Guwahati, Gaya, Bhopal, Indore, Aurangabad, and Vijayawada. The airline has leased an Airbus A340 on short term aircraft for the services

Travel tips: There is a gathering of devotees in these temples of Bihar, tourists arrive in lakhs

Bihar also has an important place among various states of India which is known for its rich history, art, dance and heritage. Bihar has a glorious history of more than 3000 years in which temples also have great importance. Bihar is also considered the birthplace of the world's two largest religions, Buddhism and Jainism. Talking about tourism in Bihar, the tourist places here include many temples which reflect the culture and history of this place. Today in this episode, we are going to tell you about some such temples of Bihar which are visited by lakhs of tourists every year and there is a gathering of devotees every day. Let us know about these temples... Janaki Temple There is a grand Janaki temple in Punaura village, 5 km west of Sitamarhi city, which is considered to be the birth place of Mother Sita. The story related to this is that once there was a severe famine in Mithila and King Janak was advised to plow the fields. After worshiping Mahadev, when King Janak was plowing, an earthen vessel emerged from the ground, in which Mother Sita was found in her infant state. Now there is a Haleshwar temple at this place and it is believed that a king named Videha built this Shiva temple here for Putreshti Yagya. There is also a lake named Janaki Kund here, bathing in which is said to give birth to a child. Mother Sita's marriage also took place at this place and the ancient Peepal tree is still present as a witness to this. Let us tell you that this place is located at a distance of about 4 hours from Patna where the distance between them is about 138 kilometers. You can reach here by road and train also. Mangala Gauri Temple If you are in the holy city of Gaya, you must visit Mangala Gauri Temple, one of the most famous temples of Bihar. Mangala Gauri Temple is one of the 18 Shaktipeeths of India. It is mentioned in sacred texts like Padma Purana, Vayu Purana, Agni Purana. This holy temple is dedicated to Sati. It is believed that a part of Sati's body had fallen at this place. The architecture and grandeur of this small temple is something that will definitely fascinate you. This temple remains open from 6 am to 8 pm. Ashokdham Temple Ashokdham Temple is also known as Indramaneshwar Mahadev Temple. This temple is located in Lakhisarai, Bihar. On the day of Mahashivratri, lakhs of devotees come here to worship Lord Shiva. According to the official website of Lakhisarai district, on April 7, 1977, a boy named Ashok had discovered a huge Shivalinga from under the ground here. On 11 February 1973, Shankaracharya of Jagannathpuri laid the foundation stone of the temple complex here. The present temple was renovated on 15 November 2002 under the Shri Indradamneshwar Mahadev Temple Trust. Mahavir Temple Mahavir Temple located near Patna Junction is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This is one of the best and oldest Hanuman temples in the country. Mahavir Temple is the most famous temple of North India. Lakhs of devotees visit the temple every year. The statue of Sankat Mochan holds a special place in the hearts of the devotees. On the holy occasion of Ram Navami, thousands of devotees come to this temple for darshan and worship. This temple, associated with the faith of millions of devotees, is known for its religious importance and beliefs. There is a belief about this temple that the wishes of every devotee who comes here is definitely fulfilled, no devotee returns empty handed from here. Mithila Shakti Peetha Located in Darbhanga near the border of India and Nepal, this Mithila Shakti Peeth is considered to be one of the 52 Shakti Peethas. This Peetha has great importance in Sanatan Dharma. It is believed that the left shoulder of Goddess Sati had fallen at this place. The idol of Goddess Uma and Lord Mahodar is installed in this temple, people come from far and wide to worship it. In this Shakti Peeth, Uma is worshiped in the form of Mahadevi. Let us tell you that the distance from Patna to Darbhanga is 139 kilometers where you can go by train as well as by road. Vishnupad Temple Vishnupad temple is situated on the banks of Mokshadayini Falgu river in Gaya district which is also described in Ramayana. This temple is also known for its grandeur and splendor. The height of this temple is about 100 feet while the Sabha Mandap has 44 pillars. Vishnupad temple has a 40 cm long footprint of Vishnu with nine symbols including Shankam, Chakram and Gadham. Let us tell you that it is built on a solid rock and silver work has been done on it. Regarding the name of this temple full of grandeur, it is believed that it was named after the demon named Gayasur. There is a long story behind this too. On the occasion of Pitru Paksha, a huge crowd of devotees gather here and people come here to offer prayers to their ancestors. It is believed that by seeing the feet of Lord Vishnu after the tarpan, all the sorrows are destroyed and the ancestors reach the sacred world. Let us tell you that the distance from Patna to here is about 100 kilometers and you can easily reach here by train, bus, taxi. Baba Garib Nath Temple Baba Garibnath Temple of Lord Shiva, located in Muzaffarpur, is one of the ancient temples of Bihar. According to religious beliefs, this temple is three hundred years old. Earlier there used to be a dense forest at this place. There were seven Peepal trees in the middle of this forest. While cutting trees, a blood-red substance started coming out from them and a huge Shivalinga was found inside one of them. After which the worship of Lord Shiva started here. Patan Devi Temple The history of Patan Devi Temple in Patna, the capital of Bihar is considered quite interesting. Local people believe that this temple protects the city of Patna and hence the temple is also known as Rakshika Bhagwati Patneshwari. Patandevi temple is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths where the thigh of Mata Sati had fallen. Idols of Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali are also installed inside this temple and worship is done here with great pomp during the days of Navratri. After marriage, the new couple comes here for darshan and pray for good luck and happy married life. (PC: Lifeberrys)

Basava Jayanti 2024: Commemorating the Legacy of Basavanna on May 10

Basava Jayanti, celebrated on the 10th of May this year, marks the revered birth anniversary of Basavanna, a luminary figure in the history of Karnataka and the founder of the Lingayat sect. Rooted in deep reverence and cultural significance, this festival brings communities together to pay homage to Basavanna's teachings and contributions. When is Basava Jayanti? Basava Jayanti falls on the third day of Shukla Paksha, the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Vaisakha. This auspicious day, the 18th day of the month, is commemorated with reverence and enthusiasm primarily in the Indian state of Karnataka, as well as in regions of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. History of Basava Jayanti Basava Jayanti is steeped in the rich tapestry of Karnataka's cultural heritage. It honors Basavanna, a 12th-century philosopher, and poet whose ideals continue to resonate through the ages. Born in 1105 CE into a devout Kannada family in northern Karnataka, Basavanna's life was dedicated to the pursuit of truth, equality, and social justice. From his early years in Kudalasangama to his later endeavors as an administrator and teacher, Basavanna's influence was profound. He espoused the principle of social equality, transcending the barriers of caste and creed. Basavanna emphasized the dignity of labor, believing that all forms of work were sacred. His literary contributions, including the profound Vachanas, exemplify his philosophical depth and spiritual insight. Through works like the Shat-sthala-vachana and Mantra-gopya, Basavanna conveyed timeless truths with simplicity and clarity. Central to Basavanna's teachings was the concept of 'Anubhava Mantapa' or the 'hall of spiritual experience,' where individuals from all walks of life could engage in dialogue and self-reflection. This inclusive approach fostered a sense of community and belonging among his followers. Basavanna's legacy extends beyond the borders of Karnataka. In 2015, his statue was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along the River Thames in London, symbolizing his enduring global impact. Additionally, Basavanna's social reforms were commemorated with the issuance of a commemorative coin, a testament to his enduring influence. Celebrating Basava Jayanti On Basava Jayanti, devotees gather at temples and community centers to offer prayers and engage in devotional songs and discourses. The day is marked by rituals, processions, and cultural programs that showcase the vibrancy of Lingayat culture. As Karnataka observes Basava Jayanti as a regional government holiday, it provides an opportunity for reflection and celebration, reinforcing the values of equality, service, and spiritual inquiry championed by Basavanna. In essence, Basava Jayanti is not merely a day of remembrance but a reaffirmation of timeless ideals that continue to inspire and guide generations. As communities come together to honor Basavanna's legacy, they embody the spirit of unity, compassion, and social justice that he championed, ensuring that his teachings remain a beacon of light in an ever-changing world. Akshay Tritiya 2024: Top 20 Heartwarming Wishes to Share with Your Family and Friends Get Ready for Akshaya Tritiya 2024: Mark Your Calendar and Embrace Prosperity! How to Prepare Yourself to Delight Your Mother on Mother's Day

We are not scared of anyone Owaisi responds strongly to Navneet Rana comments

Asaduddin Owaisi (Photo: DC/File) Asaduddin Owaisi (Photo: DC/File) Hyderabad: MP Asaduddin Owaisi here on Thursday responded strongly to the comments made by MP Navneet Kaur Rana that 15 seconds would be sufficient if the police are removed and added that no one was stopping her from doing so and he is not scared of it. Responding to Navneet Ranas comments that 15 seconds was sufficient instead of 15 minutes at a party meeting, Owaisi said, We will give time to them. What will they do? Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also in power. What 15 seconds, they can take one hour. Why dont they do it? he said. Do it. Who is stopping? Who is scared? We are also ready. Let us know the place and we will also certainly come. You also have your Prime Minister in Delhi. You also have RSS and everything belongs to you, Owaisi said. Referring to the comments that a vote to MIM would go to Pakistan, Owaisi said Modi surprisingly met the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Pakistan directly from Afghanistan without being invited. Its like Baigane-ke-shaadi me Abdulla Diwana Hogaya. What is that? They feel that Muslims in India are Pakistanis, he said. He underscored the need for defeating the ideology of RSS, which developed hatred against Muslims and found fault with Modis comments for describing Muslims as intruders and stating that women give birth to more children.

High turnout in Karnataka: Cong & BJP insist vote in their favour

High voter turnout in Karnataka's Lok Sabha elections excites Congress and BJP. Congress sees it as pro-incumbency, while BJP views it as a call for change. Lingayat vote shift and Ahinda votes play significant roles in the election dynamics.

'NDA Will Win 30-32 Seats In Bihar'

'Desh mein Modi ka parbhav ghat gaya hai.'

Odisha: Colleges in soup over zero admissions

BHUBANESWAR: Close to 50 colleges in the state saw zero admissions in several subjects including those being offered in self-financing mode in 2023-24 academic year. Besides, six self-financing degree colleges did not get any students at all for the academic year. Recently, the Higher Education department wrote to the four regional directorates of education, seeking explanation from degree colleges regarding zero admissions in both regular subjects and self-financing institutions. For 2023-24 academic session, there are 1,047 degree colleges in the state which are aided, non-aided, government-run and self-financing. Here, apart from regular courses like Physical Science, Biological Science, Arts and Commerce, many others are offered in self-financing mode. Higher officials of the department said in many of the colleges, there have been zero admissions to various subjects including Arts and Physical Science after all rounds of admissions. Consider this, at Gayatri Plus III Science college at Balangir, there were no admissions to 32 seats in the Physical Science stream. In Sambalpurs Badriprasad degree college, no student took admission in Commerce stream. Some of the other colleges are Government Womens colleges at Titilagarh and Sundargarh, Government Autonomous college of Rourkela. This apart, there are 68 self-financing degree colleges in the state and of them, six have been witnessing zero admissions for the last two academic years. The colleges are CUTM-Balangir, Micro Solutions Computer Academy college at Balasore, Madhusudan college at Dhenkanal, Gurukul Kalinga college at Jajpur town, Baba college at Jatni and Prince Science college at Morada in Mayurbhanj. These colleges have sanctioned strength of 64 to 360 seats but no students have taken admissions in them since 2022. Apart from seeking explanations from all these self-financing institutions on zero admissions, the department of Higher Education has restricted admissions to three of the colleges at Dhenkanal, Jajpur town and Jatni for the 2024-25 academic year. Higher officials of the department said the primary reason behind zero admission to self-financing colleges is substandard quality of education and high fees. No takers Several colleges saw zero admissions to various subjects including Arts and Physical Science Of 68 self-financing degree colleges in state, six have been witnessing zero admissions for last two academic years The department of Higher Education has restricted admissions to three colleges at Dhenkanal, Jajpur town and Jatni for 2024-25

When I opened my eyes, three of the family were crushed under debris, says eyewitness

Hyderabad : The 30-foot-high wall collapsed on temporary structures crushing a woman who was feeding her four-year-old son and a sick man who did not attend work as he was recuperating from illness, said an eyewitness. These victims were part of the seven, who died when a rain-soaked wall caved in Renuka Yellamma Colony, Bachupally on Tuesday. According to the eyewitness, the incident occurred at around 5.45 pm, following a heavy rain a 30-foot tall rain soaked boundary wall of a five storied under construction domestic apartments caved in on the other side of the building where the victims were in their room. Around 5.45 pm, it was raining heavily. I went to see Ram Yadav,35, my cousin and co-worker who was sick. He was taking medicine, while his wife G.Geeta was feeding her four-year-old son Himanshu Yadav, when I heard a thud sound. When I opened my eyes, I was struck in the debris of cement brick that penetrated through asbestos sheets, said Udhal Yadav, a cousin of Ram Yadav, who is an eyewitness in the case. I was in a deep shock and could not realise what happened to me in front of me. I was just two feet away from the mishap. I shouted Ram bhai, but by then three of them were buried under the debris, Udhal Yadav said. Ram Yadav, a centring worker and the only bread earner in the family, came to Hyderabad along with his son Himanshu and Geeta from Nava Para Munda village in Chattisgarh on May 5 after his father Murit Yadav suffered a paralysis stroke, Udhal Yadav said. On May 6, Ram complained of sun stroke and stomach infection and was under treatment, Udhal, who got stuck in four-feet deep debris, suffered bleeding injuries. Over 50 labourers and masons from Odisha, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh were living in 12 small rooms with asbestos roof and four huts. However, only 14 people. including me, were in rooms while others were out on work when the mishap occurred, said Nandu Kumar Yadav, who is victim Geetas brother. When Udhal Yadav called me at 6.30 pm, he was crying, stating `bhaiya bohat gazab ho gaya mai phas gaya aur Ram, Himanshu, Geeta our char mazdoor margay deewar girne se`. By the time I reached the location from Kothapet, the builder was getting debris cleared with the help of two JCB machines, said Nanda Yadav. The 30-foot-high and 25-foot-long concrete wall was constructed one week back on granite stones at the ground level. They did not dig into the ground to lay the basement. The wall was eight-inch wide, with several tonnes of sand dumped on the other side, Nanda Kumar said. The entire sand load fell on the wall and caved on the temporary rooms built for workers 10 feet away from the wall. The other victims were identified as Thirupathi Maji,20, Shankar Maji,22,of Odisha, Raju Lal,25,and his wife Kushi Lal,20, who are the natives of West Bengal. While the other injured workers who are undergoing treatment in a private hospital atBachupally have been identified as Sagar, Meravi (21) Sovinder Dunmy (21), both natives of Madhya Pradesh, Yedimi (19) and Mothi, both women, from Chattisgarh, Jagapathi (19), and Desmo Soum (20) from Odisha, and Amir Hussen (28) from West Bengal. Four of the victims have already been discharged, other three injured victims suffered critical injuries and multiple fractures. Doctors suggested that they undergo surgery, said G. Sandhya, the sub inspector of Bachupally police station. The victims bodies have been shifted to Gandhi Hospital and their family members from their native places are on the way. Our village is more than 1,400 kilometres away. We cannot make an effort to take the bodies for last rites. We request the government to help us in transporting the bodies of all victims to their native place, said Somnath Maji, a victim's cousin. The police have detainedVenkannaArvind Reddy, the builder of the five-storied under-construction building with 45 apartments. A case has been booked under 304 IPC part II 337 IPC, which deals with an act that is undertaken with the intent to cause death, or a physical injury that causes hurt to any person by doing any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life. Police are checking with GHMC, MRO, and RDO to ascertain whether Arvind had obtained all required permissions for the construction.

Suspicious Fire Erupts at Historic Patna Museum Complex

Suspicious Fire Erupts at Historic Patna Museum Complex A fire broke out on Wednesday in a new building of the Patna Museum complex, which underwent a major revamp in the past few years, according to officials. The historic Patna Museum, home to a collection of rich artefacts, rare paintings and 200 million-year-old fossilised tree trunk, has been closed for visitors since June 1 last year to undertake a revamp of its 96-year-old building. ''The fire broke out in a section of a newly constructed building, which is an extension of the old heritage building of the Patna Museum. Several fire tenders were pressed into service. However, no major injury has been reported so far,'' a senior official at the museum said. This new wing, built to the west of the old museum building, will also house a gallery, he said, adding the fire has been contained. It remains to be ascertained if any damage was caused to any artefacts in the incident. A project on redevelopment of the museum building, located on the old Patna-Gaya Road, is currently underway, whose foundation stone was laid by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in August 2020. Besides, refurbishment of the heritage building being done as part of a redevelopment project, its old galleries will be redesigned, rearranged and curated in a new way to showcase the artefacts and other historic items in a better manner, officials had earlier said. Many old artefacts, which were earlier housed in the heritage building of the museum, have been shifted to the storage space located in one of the new extension wings. One of the most striking and recognisable buildings of the capital city, the Patna Museum building was constructed in 1928 with two identical ornate gateways - the 'In Gate' and the 'Out Gate'. The old heritage gates of the museum were recently demolished and replaced with new gates built in similar style, sparking criticism from various scholars and heritage lovers. The 'Out Gate' had suffered damage in early 2023 and later the 'In Gate' was also damaged during the redevelopment work, and heritage lovers had appealed to the government to repair and restore the old gates.

FIR against Davanagere BJP MP for violating ECI rules

DAVANAGERE: An FIR was registered against Davanagere BJP MP Dr GM Siddeshwara on Tuesday for violating the ECI guidelines on secret ballot. According to a police complaint filed by election officials, Dr Siddeshwara peeped into the voters compartment while at booth No 236 in Maganuru Basappa Public School in Davanagere North assembly segment. Dr Siddeshwara and his family members went to the booth in the morning to vote. Dr Siddeshwara, who voted first, was coming out when his wife and BJP candidate Gayathri Siddeshwara entered the booth. However, Dr Siddeshwara turned back and went to the voters compartment and peeped into it while Gayathri was exercising her franchise. The election officials termed this act a violation of the ECI guidelines. Meanwhile, a video of Dr Siddeshwara peeping into the voters compartment went viral on social media. Davanagere North assistant returning officer Ismail reported the matter to DC and returning officer of Davanagere parliamentary constituency Dr Venkatesh MV. After checking the CCTV footage at 10.48am, he directedRajesh Kumar NR, FST head of Davanagere North assembly constituency, to file a police complaint. Kumar filed the complaint around 5pm at Vidyanagar police station. Case against Khuba for entering booth wearing party symbol Bidar: A case has been booked against Union MoS for Chem-ical and Fertilisers, Bhagwanth Khuba, under Section 30 of the Representation of People Act on charges of entering the polling booth sporting the party symbol and addressing the press within 100m of the booth in Aurad town. According to Bidar Deputy Commissioner Govind Reddy, who is also the District Election Officer, the police booked the case following a complaint lodged by the Assistant Returning Officer, Aurad taluk. The ARO, while lodging the complaint, has furnished the booth officers report regarding the alleged violation of code of conduct.

Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni enters Dharwad after four years to vote

DHARWAD: Dharwad MLA Vinay Kulkarni got a brief respite on Tuesday as the Karnataka High Court allowed him to enter Dharwad district for two hours to cast his vote in Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha elections. Dharwad went to the polls on Tuesday. The MLA, accompanied by his family, was given a rousing welcome by Congress workers near the polling booth in Saptapur. Vinay entered the district after four years, as the Supreme Court has barred his entry into Dharwad for his alleged involvement in the killing of ZP member Yogishgouda Goudar in June 2016. As the case was transferred to the CBI, he was arrested in November 2020. His efforts to get bail in the lower courts and the HC did not fructify. Kulkarni, however, got respite from the Supreme Court, which gave him conditional bail in August 2021, directing him not to enter Dharwad district. Kulkarni contested the 2023 Assembly polls without entering his constituency. He, however, was not permitted to vote then. His request to vote in the mayoral polls was also not refused by the court. After voting, Kulkarni said that he was happy to be in the district for at least two hours. Congress will win more than 20 seats in the state. The Lingayat leaders have blessed us. I thank the court for allowing me to vote, he said.

Indian Railways: Frequency of special train running on this route has been increased, check the new schedule.

The operating period of 03639/03640 and 03653/03654 Gaya-Anand Vihar-Gaya Superfast Special running between Gaya and Anand Vihar has been extended. New Delhi. In view of the summer rush, Indian Railways has decided to expand the frequency of special trains running earlier. Train schedules have been released. Plan your journey by looking at the schedule of [] The post Indian Railways: Frequency of special train running on this route has been increased, check the new schedule. first appeared on informalnewz .

14 constituencies go to polls in Karnataka today; high-stakes battle for Kharge, BSY

BENGALURU: Fourteen Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka will go to polls on Tuesday and this is considered as a high-stakes battle for AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge as most of the seats are in North Karnataka regarded as his home turf, and former CM and Lingayat strongman BS Yediyurappa, whose son BY Vijayendra is state BJP president. With this, LS elections will end in Karnataka. Polling was held on April 26 for 14 other constituencies in the state. BJP and Congress leaders have campaigned extensively in the 14 constituencies amid the rising mercury levels in most parts of North Karnataka. The two parties focused on issues such as SC/ST/OBC quota, minority appeasement, PM Modis and Congress guarantees, Hubballi Neha Hiremath murder case and the latest Hassan sex scandal. Prominent among those in the fray are former CMs Basavaraj Bommai (Haveri) and Jagadish Shettar (Belgaum), Union ministers Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad) and Bhagwant Khuba (Bidar), Yediyurappas son Raghavendra (Shivamogga), Kharges son-in-law Radhakrishna Doddamani (Gulbarga SC), and former minister B Sriramulu (Bellary). The Congress has fielded Forest Minister Eshwar Khandres son Sagar Khandre (Bidar), Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkars son Mrinal Hebbalkar (Belgaum), PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholis daughter Priyanka (Chikkodi) and APMC minister Shivananda Patils daughter Samyukta (Bagalkot). Prabha Mallikarjun, wife of minister SS Mallikarjun (Congress), and Gayathri Siddeshwara, wife of MP GM Siddeshwara (BJP) are fighting for Davanagere seat. Anjali Nimbalkar of Congress is pitted against Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri of BJP in Uttara Kannada. BJPs alliance partner JDS is not contesting in Tuesdays elections. However, former CM and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy has campaigned extensively for BJP candidates. Chikkodi, Belgaum, Bagalkot, Haveri, Bijapur, Bidar, Gulbarga (SC), Raichur, Bellary, Koppal, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga and Davanagere go to polls on Tuesday.

After polls, Mandya voters now debate and bet on outcome

MYSURU: After making headlines ahead of the Phase 3 Lok Sabha elections, the Mandya constituency is now witnessing intense discussions and betting over the outcome of the April 26 polls. Conversations on potential winners and losers are now a common sight at arali katte (platforms under peepal trees), tea stalls, and market squares. The post-poll scenario is not merely confined to discussions and debates. Betting activity, too, has surged in the constituency. From cash to two-wheelers, people this time have even wagered their livestock. The election in Mandya on April 26 saw an impressive voter turnout of close to 81%, the highest among the 14 Lok Sabha segments in Karnataka that voted. Mandya, the Sugar Bowl, drew national interest with the NDA fielding former chief minister and state JDS chief HD Kumaraswamy. In several villages of the constituency, farmers, labourers, and women are actively debating the potential election outcome, analysing factors such as candidates performance, community affiliations, and organisational support. Caste dynamics play a significant role in the electoral outcome in Mandya, with Vokkaligas, Dalits, Lingayats, Kurubas, Muslims, and other backward communities holding sway in the district. But crucial to a candidates victory in the constituency are the Vokkaligas, who form the majority of the voters. While the NDA has fielded HD Kumaraswamy, Congress candidate is Venkataramane Gowda, popularly known as Star Chandru. While both hail from the Vokkaliga community, Kumaraswamy holds a prominent leadership position within the community across the state. Venkataramanes support base, however, lacks the same level of organisational strength, opined a political expert. Consequently, discussions revolve around which candidate will secure the backing of a specific caste group.

Holding tax rises nearly 3 fold in Gaya

Bodh Gayas social worker gets highest civilian award of France

BJP and Congress Lock Horns in Crucial Polls Northern Karnataka

MANGALURU: May 7th marks a crucial electoral showdown in the Northern Karnataka region, with 14 constituencies, including Kalyana-Karnataka and Kittur Karnataka, heading to the polls. The electoral arena is set for a fierce contest between the Congress and BJP, both vying to secure significant seats and bolster their respective standings at the Center. Amidst this electoral fervor, several constituencies are poised for particularly intriguing battles. The BJP is primarily focusing on the image of Modi and showcasing developmental initiatives, including the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, in its bid to secure votes. Meanwhile, the Congress party is relying on its guarantee schemes and leveraging the anti-incumbency sentiment as key strategies for electoral success. The 14 constituencies slated for elections tomorrow encompass Chikkodi, Belgaum, Bagalkot, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur, Bidar, Koppal, Bellary, Haveri, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, and Davangere. In the 2019 election, BJP had won all these seats. This electoral spectacle features a noteworthy lineup of candidates, including two Union Ministers, two former Chief Ministers, and the children of three Karnataka Cabinet Ministers, alongside the son-in-law of the AICC president. The districts have witnessed a flurry of political activity, with both state and central leaders canvassing extensively for their candidates. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with leaders like Amit Shah, JP Nadda, and Vijayendra, has spearheaded vigorous campaigns, while Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge have mobilized their forces with equal fervor. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM and KPCC president DK Shivakumar have strategically shifted focus to the North Karnataka region post the conclusion of elections in South and Coastal Karnataka on April 26. Of particular interest is the Gulbarga constituency in the Kalyana Karnataka region, where sitting MP Dr. Umesh Jadhav locks horns with Congress candidate Radhakrishna. Radhakrishna, who is the son-in-law of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, is at the heart of a political battleground. With the BJP determined to unseat the Congress candidate on the home turf of the AICC president, the Congress has launched an extensive campaign to reclaim its stronghold. Mallikarjun Kharge himself has undertaken numerous tours across Kalyana Karnataka, leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to bolster his party's influence in the region. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi is fighting against Congress candidate Vinod Asooti in Dharwad. Lingayat seer Dingaleshwar Swamiji's vocal opposition to Joshi's candidacy further underscores the intricacies of local dynamics, leaving people curious about the seer's followers' voting patterns. In Bidar, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Bhagwanth Khuba, seeks reelection against Congress' youthful contender Sagar Khandre, son of Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre, amplifying the clash of political legacies. Similarly, in Chikkodi, Priyankar Satish Jarkiholi, daughter of PWD Belagavi district witnesses familial and political confrontations, with PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi's daughter Priyankar Satish Jarkiholi stepping into the electoral arena for the first time against BJP's sitting MP Annasaheb Jolle in Chikkodi. Former CM and BJP leader Jagadish Shettar squares off against Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkars son Mrinal Hebbalkar in Belgaum. Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai's bid for an MP seat from Haveri faces a challenge from Congress' Anandswamy Gaddadevaramath, while Samyukta Patil, daughter of Agriculture Marketing Minister Shivanand Patil, confronts BJP's PC Gaddigaudar who has been winning the seat for BJP since 2004. JD(S), which is in alliance with BJP in Karnataka, is not contesting in any of the 14 constituencies where the election is scheduled on Tuesday. However, JD(S) state president and former CM HD Kumaraswamy, along with his leaders, has been campaigning for the BJP candidates in the North Karnataka region.

Tragic Loss: Five Medical Students Perish in Coastal Accident

Tragic Loss: Five Medical Students Perish in Coastal Accident Five students of a private medical college in Tiruchirappalli drowned in the sea off the coast of Kanniyakumari on Monday, police said. Expressing grief, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin conveyed his condolences and sympathies to the kin of the deceased and said necessary assistance would be provided to the bereaved families after getting the Election Commission's permission. A group of MBBS students doing their house surgeonship in the Tiruchirappalli college went to the Lemur Beach at Rajakkamangalam and a huge wave dragged several of them into the sea. ''Two women and 3 men drowned,'' Kanniyakumari police superintendent E Sundaravathanam said. To a question, the police official said the students were told by local people to avoid going to the beach in view of official warnings of sudden 'swell waves.' The students, however, managed to reach the beach by going through a coconut grove. They arrived in Kanniyakumari district on May 5 to take part in the wedding of a student's brother, the official said adding the bodies were being sent to the families. Three students, who were part of the group, are being treated at a government hospital. A government press release here said two women, Gayathri (25) and Charukavi (23) and three men, Sarvadarshit (23), Praveen Sam (23) and Venkatesh (24) were dragged into the sea and drowned. Of the five deceased, Venkatesh is a native of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and others hail from various regions of Tamil Nadu.

RLD's Malook Nagar Condemns Farooq Abdullah's Alleged Pro-Pakistan Remarks

Lucknow: Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) national general secretary, Malook Nagar, criticized J-K National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah for his recent remarks on PoK, stating that such people did not deserve to live in the country. Nagar expressed his disappointment, saying, I am ashamed that such statements are made by people living in our country. When he (Farooq Abdullah) and his son (Omar Abdullah) gave interviews during the implementation of Article 370, they sounded like Pakistanis. They should be ashamed. Such people have no right to live in this country. Farooq Abdullah's recent statement in response to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's comment that PoK will be merged with India also drew criticism. Abdullah had said, If the defence minister is saying it, then go ahead. Who are we to stop? But remember, they (Pakistan) are also not wearing bangles. It has atom bombs, and unfortunately, that atom bomb will fall on us. Former Deputy J-K Chief Minister, Kavinder Gupta, accused Abdullah of having sympathies with Pakistan rather than showing support for the Indian soldiers. Gupta remarked, His heart beats for Pakistan and not for the soldiers who work in adverse conditions in Jammu and Kashmir and on the borders. Abdullah Sahab should apologize to the country. His thinking is expressed through his words. Furthermore, Malook Nagar criticized former Punjab Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee member, Charanjit Singh Channi, for his alleged remarks on the recent terror attack incident in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch. Former Punjab CM Channi lost the MLA elections. 'Unke dimag ka diwala nikal gaya hai.' When someone makes such a statement for those who live and die for the country, how would the family members of those martyrs feel? They are making such statements for votes. They should spare the soldiers and martyrs. The elections and politics will come and go, Nagar said. Channi had earlier alleged that the Poonch attack was pre-planned and aimed at facilitating BJP's win in the polls. However, he later issued a clarification, stating that his statement was distorted and he intended to highlight that a similar attack took place during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, referring to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed by terrorists. My statement was distorted. What I meant to say was that a similar attack had taken place during the last Lok Sabha elections also. But it was not investigated by BJP, and till now, it is not known who was involved in the said attack, Channi said in a self-made video released after his remarks stirred a controversy. Sketches of 2 Pakistani terrorists released in connection with Poonch attack, reward of Rs 20 lakh announced Amit Shah Accuses Opposition of Corruption, Alleges Mamata Banerjee's Cut Money Culture Shashi Tharoor Calls for Investigation into Hemant Karkare's Death

Five medicos die after being swept away by massive tidal wave in Kanniyakumari

KANNIYAKUMARI: Five medicos who were studying in a Tiruchy-based private medical college died by drowning in the sea after they were swept away by a massive tidal wave in the Ganapathipuram Lemoor shore in Kanniyakumari here on Monday. The deceased has been identified by the police as P Sarvadharshith (23) of Kanniyakumari, M Praveen Sam (23) of Dindigul, Venkatesh (24) of Andhra Pradesh, B Gayathri (25) of Neyveli and D Charukavi (23) of Thanjavur. Sarvadharshith is a native of Parakkai village near Nagercoil. He is studying in a private medical college located in Irungalur village near Tiruchy. He and his five friends came to Nagercoil to attend a marriage. They went to Tiruparapu waterfalls to take bath on Monday morning. Since there was a thin flow of water in the falls, they went to Ganapathipuram Lemoor area. When they were playing on the shore, a massive tidal wave dragged all six of them deep inside. The local fishermen attempted to rescue the students and was able to rescue Sarvadharshith and his friend Nesi who were then sent to the Kanniyakumari government medical college hospital for treatment. Sarvadharshith died not responding to the treatment in the hospital while Nesi is under treatment. Meanwhile, the bodies of Praveen Sam, Venkatesh, Gayathiri of Neyveli and Charukavi were washed ashore.

Experience The New Hindi Music Video For Pyaar Ho Gaya By Sneh Upadhya

Enjoy the latest Hindi song Pyaar Ho Gaya sung by Sneh Upadhya. The music for this captivating track has been composed and also heartfelt lyrics penned by Saif Ali. The music video for Pyaar Ho Gaya has been skillfully directed by Ashok Singh. Don't miss the opportunity to watch the latest Hindi video song Pyaar Ho Gaya, by Sneh Upadhya and immerse yourself in its mesmerizing melodies. For more Hindi songs, be sure to visit the music videos section of Hindi ETimes. Experience the musical prowess of Sneh Upadhya, New Video Songs of 2024, Saif Ali songs, Hindi Gana Video Song, Ashok Singh music videos.

Mountains of currency notes are being found: PM Modi on Jharkhand cash haul

Mountains of currency notes are being found: PM Modi on Jharkhand cash haul After the Directorate of Enforcement's huge cash haul in Jharkhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that people are lauding the action taken by the central agency, some are criticising him for stopping corruption and loot. Today, mountains of currency notes are being found in the neighbouring state Jharkhand. People are saying chori ho gaya aur mal pakad raha Modi waha (theft has taken place and Modi has seized the robbed goods). Now tell me, if I stop their theft, stop their earning, stop their loot, won't they abuse Modi or not? Despite the abuses, shouldn't I be doing this work. Shouldn't I be saving your money, the Prime Minister said while addressing a public rally in Odisha's Nabarangpur today. ED earlier today uncovered over Rs 20 crore from the residence of a household help employed by Sanjiv Lal, the Personal Secretary to Jharkhand Rural Development Minister Alamgir Alam during raids at multiple locations in Ranchi on Monday morning, PM Modi also hit out at the Biju Janata Dal (BJD)-led government in Odisha and alleged that the latter did not allow implementation of central government schemes in the state. He further said that those schemes that were implemented were stamped by corruption. The people of Odisha have strength and passion, but I am saddened to see that the BJD government did not give you the right opportunities. The BJD government did not allow the schemes of Modi to be implemented. The schemes that were implemented were stamped with corruption by the BJD, he said. The Prime Minister said that the Odisha government does not care about the interests of women, adding that the central government is providing financial help to every pregnant woman. Today, the government in Odisha shows no concern for the welfare of women. The central government provides financial aid of 6,000 rupees to every pregnant woman, aiming to ensure essential nutrition for both the mother and child. It's surprising to know that the Odisha government has not implemented this scheme here. Meanwhile, the BJP government is committed to women's empowerment. The BJP's 'Subhadra Scheme' in Odisha will financially empower women, he said. Also, the Van Dhan Kendra Yojana started, reservation benefits for SCs and STs were extended for the next 10 years, and most importantly, India got its first Adivasi Rashtrapati during the same period, he added. He further asserted that the BJD-ruled state government could not spend money sent by the Centre properly. The central government gave Rs 10,000 crore to Odisha for the Jal Jeevan Mission. The government here could not spend that money properly. Modi sends money to build roads in villages, but here the condition of roads in villages is bad. Modi sends money for free rice from Delhi, but the BJD government pastes its photo on this scheme and takes credit for that, PM Modi said. You have seen the track record of Modi's ten years of leadership. During these ten years, Modi increased the budget for tribal welfare by 5 times what it was before. Also, during these ten years, the number of Eklavya Model Residential Schools in the tribal areas crossed 400. BJD has not been able to reduce your problems in 25 years. Give BJP a chance once, we will make Odisha number one in five years. BJP will solve all your problems. Your welfare is paramount for BJP, the Prime Minister added. (ANI)

Karnataka's 14 Lok Sabha Seats Witness Intense Battle Between BJP and Congress

Karnataka's 14 Lok Sabha Seats Witness Intense Battle Between BJP and Congress The Congress and BJP will lock horns on the electoral battleground again in less than a fortnight in Karnataka, as the stage is set for the second phase of elections in the 14 remaining Lok Sabha seats on Tuesday. It is going to be a straight fight between the ruling Congress and BJP in Parliamentary segments in the northern districts. The JD(S) is not contesting in these seats and is supporting its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partner -- the BJP. The state has a total of 28 Lok Sabha constituencies. The first phase of polling in 14 seats in most of the southern and coastal districts was held on April 26. A total of 227 candidates -- 206 men and 21 women -- are in the fray for the second phase. More than 2.59 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in 28,269 polling stations where voting will take place between 7 am to 6 pm. The segments where elections will be held on Tuesday are: Chikkodi, Belgaum, Bagalkot, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur, Bidar, Koppal, Bellary, Haveri, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, Davangere and Shimoga. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP had swept all these 14 seats, defeating Congress and JD(S), which were in alliance and ruling the state then. Having scored a thumping victory in the Assembly elections last year, the Congress now appears determined to put up a strong show. Karnataka is the most important state for the BJP in south India as it's only here that it has held power in the past. Speaking to PTI, Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Meena said adequate security arrangements have been made for Tuesday's polling. ''Around 1.45 lakh polling officials have been deployed across the 14 constituencies. In addition, 35,000 civil police personnel, 65 companies of Central Paramilitary forces and armed police of other states will be deployed for the polling day,'' he said. Besides this, 4,000 micro-observers will also be on duty and 17,000 polling stations will be covered by webcasting, he added. Davangere has the maximum number of 30 candidates, followed by 23 in Shimoga and Raichur has the least number - eight. Former Chief Ministers Basavaraj Bommai (Haveri) and Jagadish Shettar (Balgaum), Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad) and Bhagwanth Khuba (Bidar) -- all from BJP; Congress' Geetha Shivrajkumar (Shimoga) -- wife of actor Shivrajkumar and daughter of former CM S Bangarappa and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge's son-in-law Radhakrishna Doddamani (Gulbarga), are among the prominent names in the fray. Also in the contest are MP and veteran BJP leader B S Yediyurappa's son B Y Raghavendra, suspended party leader and former Deputy CM K S Eshwarappa -- both from Shimoga, former Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri and ex-Minister B Sreeramulu of BJP from Uttara Kannada and Bellary respectively and retired IAS officer G Kumar Naik of Congress from Raichur. Stakes are high for several Ministers in this phase with their children in fray. Sons of Ministers Laxmi Hebbalkar and Eshwar Khandre - Mrinal Ravindra Hebbalkar and Sagar Khandre - are contesting from Belgaum and Bidar respectively, while daughters of Ministers Satish Jarkiholi and Shivanand Patil -Priyanka Jarkiholi and Samyukta Patil- are in contention in Chikkodi and Bagalkot respectively. Prabha Mallikarjun, wife of Minister S S Mallikarjun and daughter-in-law of veteran Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa, is in the fray from Davangere. The Congress' performance in the elections, especially in the second phase which covers almost all Lingayat-dominated districts, is crucial, as the party did not win one of them in 2019, and to also check whether the grand old party has managed to retain the support of a section of Lingayats -- considered as the BJP's core vote-base -- which seemed to have somewhat shifted towards it in the 2023 Assembly polls. The Lok Sabha election is being seen as a big test of sorts for Congress state unit chief D K Shivakumar, who has made no secret of his ambition to become chief minister, amid speculations of change in guard mid-way of the Assembly term. The stakes are also high for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, as victory in this election is seen as key to strengthening his hands, analysts say. It is also seen as a kind of a ''litmus test'' for state BJP president B Y Vijayendra, who has the onerous task of helping the party retain its supremacy in the Lok Sabha polls, by regaining its traditional Lingayat vote-base. Ensuring a BJP sweep is paramount for the son of veteran leader B S Yediyurappa, to consolidate his position and silence critics who have questioned his selection to the post, overlooking seniors and seasoned hands. The ruling Congress is mostly banking on the implementation of its populist five guarantee schemes while the BJP seems to be leveraging the ''Modi factor'' to the hilt.

Congress swindled over Rs 25k crore meant for SC, ST welfare, says BS Yediyurappa

SHIVAMOGGA: Former chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Sunday accused the Congress of swindling funds kept for the welfare of backward communities, reiterating, The Congress has swallowed Rs 25,396 crore worth of funds meant for the welfare of SC and ST communities. Yediyurappa also charged that there are three factions within the Karnataka Congress -- led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, and KPCC president and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The Lingayat strongman told reporters here that the Grand Old Party will bite the dust in the polls, thanks to the in-fighting between its various factions. He further claimed that former AICC president Rahul Gandhi chose to contest from Rae Bareli, after staring at defeat in Wayanad, further asserting that the latter will be defeated in both Wayanad and Rae Bareli this time around. Rahul is migrating from one place to another due to the fear of losing in Wayanad. Firts, he fled to Wayanad, after he was getting defeated in Amethi in 2019. This time, he realised that he will not win there, and hence, chose to contest from Rae Bareli. Rahul will be defeated there as well, he mentioned. Calling former AICC president Sonia Gandhi as Maharani (queen), Yediyurappa said Sonia vacated her constituency for her son and became a Rajya Sabha member. Sonias dream to ensure Rahuls victory will be shattered this time. The BJP will win from Rae Bareli, he said. The former CM said the Congress guarantees will not work in its favour. The people will believe only in Modis Guarantee. Reacting to the allegations of rape against Hassan NDA candidate Prajwal Revanna, Yediyurappa said it will not have any impact on the BJP-JDS alliances winning prospects, and that the alliance is intact. Yediyurappa alleged that the Congress lacks a bankable leadership and its government has not achieved anything to seek votes based on the same. It is only misleading the people over Central grants. We are facing this election based on the 10 years of achievements of PM Narendra Modi. But the Congress is facing this election on lies. Yediyurappa also stated that the Congress is indulging in the politics of polarisation. The law and order situation in the state is unstable, he added.

Karnataka: Lingayats may not vote en bloc, but likely to prefer sub-castes

BENGALURU: Ahead of the Phase-3 of Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday, BJP may have realised that the lions share of Lingayat support it enjoyed in many elections over the last few decades could be turning into a mirage. Though BJP senior leader BS Yediyurappa, considered a Lingayat strongman, has been campaigning in all the 14 constituencies, the party has realised that it will be difficult to repeat the results of the last Lok Sabha elections when it won all the 14 seats in the region aided by Lingayats, who are the deciding factor in majority of seats. Veerashaiva Mahasabha secretary Renuka Prasanna said, Basava Nadu used to vote only for BJP, but the Lingayat community will not remain a homogenous vote bank for BJP forever. The previous election demonstrated that and this election too, it will be on show. For starters, infighting in the party that is known for its discipline has been its biggest challenge. The party has struggled with the standoff between Lingayat leaders Madhuswamy and V Somanna, between Holalkere Chandrappa and Govinda Karjol in Chitradurga, Ananth Kumar Hegde and Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri in Uttara Kannada and Bhagwant Khuba and Prabhu Chavan in Bidar. Adding to partys troubles, Lingayat seer Dingaleshwara Swamiji too joined the fray initially, but later withdrew. But now, he has resumed addressing public meetings aimed solely at defeating Union minister Pralhad Joshi in the Dharwad constituency. Also, Lingayats are not voting en bloc and are talking of casting their franchise based on sub-castes like Lingayat Panchamsali, Lingayat Banajiga and Lingayat Ganiga. Also, Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs announcement of starting a university to study the Vachana literature and naming social reformer Basavanna as the cultural icon of Karnataka have softened the Lingayat stand towards Congress. Experts point out that BJP ignored social engineering while selecting candidates for the crucial polls. It gave seats only to Lingayat, Brahmin and SC/STs, while completely ignoring representatives from other castes, who have a substantial vote share in the region. In all the 14 constituencies, their candidates are either Lingayat or Brahmin. Wherever there is a reserved constituency, the ticket has been given to a representative from that community. BJP will also find it difficult to get votes of minorities, who constitute 12-20 per cent of the electorate in these constituencies. Added to this is the sizeable OBC presence and BJP has always found it difficult to break into the Dalit vote base because of Mallikarjun Kharge, a Dalit from Kalaburagi, who is AICC president. This time, there could be the strongest consolidation ever of Dalit votes in favour of Congress, which BJP is realising in many constituencies. Political analyst BS Murthy said, BJP did not pay sufficient attention to its social engineering and that may not help the party because all candidates here are either Lingayat or Brahmin. There is no palpable wave in favour of BJP so far. Infighting and rebellion may cost the party dear. BJP has never looked this vulnerable in the last three polls. A BJP functionary, requesting anonymity, said, The party has always enjoyed the blessings of the Lingayat community. I agree that we may not sweep all 14 seats, but we still enjoy a solid advantage and support in North Karnataka. Also, dont discount the Modi factor. I believe barring 3-4 seats, BJP will do well here. I believe Lingayats still prefer BJP.

Jaipur Wedding Extravaganza Unveiled

Jaipur Wedding Extravaganza Unveiled a three-day first wedding expo 'Wed In India' started here on Sunday. An initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, Rajasthan, the expo is being organised at Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) here to give a boost to the tourism, hospitality and destination weddings in the state. Speaking during the inaugural event, Manisha Saxena, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India said that along with cultural aspects of India, the rapid infrastructure development, especially the increasing number of airports and improvement in digital and physical connectivity, are aiding destination weddings across the world. She said that with its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural traditions, Rajasthan along with Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Haryana, Kerala, and Goa are favourite destinations. Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan said that the state's magnificent palaces, forts and havelis converted into luxury heritage hotels provide a regal backdrop for extravagant celebrations. Rajasthan's world-class hospitality, traditional cuisines and vibrant entertainment create unforgettable experiences for the couples and their guests. Policymakers, key players from the tourism and hospitality industry and tour operators from over 50 countries are participating in the 'Wed in India' expo. It will have sessions on the readiness of India's wedding ecosystem, dynamics of wedding tourism and its impact on India's larger tourism industry.

Rangayana, Mysuru: - Star of Mysore

Rangayana, Mysuru: Star of Mysore

Campaigning for second phase of 14 LS seats ends in Karnataka as 'sex scandal' dominates narrative

Campaigning for second phase of 14 LS seats ends in Karnataka as 'sex scandal' dominates narrative The campaigning for the second phase of polling in 14 Lok Sabha segments in Congress-ruled Karnataka ended on Sunday, with the ''Hassan sex scandal'' wading into the narrative in no small measure. Tuesday's elections (May 7) matter the most for the BJP as it had bagged all those 14 seats in the 2019 polls. Karnataka has a total of 28 Lok Sabha constituencies. The first phase of elections for 14 segments was held on April 26. Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have targeted the BJP over the alleged sex scandal involving Hassan JD(S) MP, Prajwal Revanna, in campaign rallies. Rahul Gandhi alleged that Prajwal Revanna had raped 400 women, and lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for seeking votes for a ''mass rapist'' and sought his apology. Prajwal, grandson of former prime minister and JD(S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda, is facing allegations of sexually abusing women. The state government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the charges. Prajwal Revanna was the JD(S)-BJP alliance candidate from Hassan seat which went to polls on April 26. The JD(S) joined the BJP-led NDA in September last year. The BJP, on the other hand, has attacked the government for alleged failure to ''contain anti-national activities'', and incidents of 'Love Jihad' and 'appeasement politics'. The party leaders repeatedly referred to the bomb blast at a cafe here on March 1, the murder of 23-year-old Neha Hiremath on a college campus in Hubballi by Fayaz Khondunaik on April 18 and the raising of pro-Pakistan slogans in the corridors of Vidhana Soudha on February 27. Speaking to reporters in the district headquarters town of Belagavi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said, ''In the first phase, we will win about eight to nine seats. In the second phase, we will win in 10 constituencies.'' The Congress is also banking heavily on the state government's guarantee schemes and remains optimistic that they will pay the party electoral dividends. Among the candidates in the fray for the May 7 polls is Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who is seeking a fifth straight term from Dharwad. There will be a by-poll to the Shorapur assembly constituency in Yadgir district on May 7 following the death of Congress MLA Raja Venkatappa Naik in February this year. The 14 segments going to polls on Tuesday are: Belgaum (Belagavi), Uttara Kannada, Chikkodi, Bagalkot (Bagalkote), Bidar, Haveri, Dharwad, Koppal, Bellari (Ballari), Raichur, Bijapur (Vijayapura), Davangere and Shimoga (Shivamogga) and Gulbarga (Kalaburagi). According to the Election Commission, 227 candidates are in the fray. The BJP and the Congress have fielded 14 candidates each while the Bahujan Samaj Party is trying its luck in nine seats. There are 117 independents. Also, 73 people are fighting the election from registered unrecognised parties. The 14 constituencies have 2.59 crore voters, the EC said, adding, there are a total of 28,257 main polling stations. Among the BJP contestants are: former Chief Ministers Basavaraj Bommai (Haveri) and Jagadish Shettar (Belgaum), former Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri (Uttara Kannada) and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa's son B Y Raghavendra (Shimoga). Congress President M Mallikarjun Kharge's son-in-law Radhakrishna Doddamani is contesting from Gulbarga. The Congress has fielded Minister Eshwar Khandre's son Sagar Khandre (Bidar), Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar's son Mrinal Hebbalkar (Belgaum), Minister Satish Jarkiholi's daughter Priyanka Jarkiholi (Chikkodi), Minister Shivanand Patil's daughter Samyukta Patil (Bagalkot) and Geetha Shivarajkumar, who is wife of Kannada film actor Shivarajkumar and daughter of former Chief Minister late S Bangarappa (Shimoga). As Congress has fielded Karnataka Minister for Mines and Geology S S Mallikarjun's wife Prabha Mallikarjun from Davangere, the BJP gave ticket to Gayathri Siddeshwara, who is wife of MP G M Siddeshwara. The Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements to increase voter turnout amid the soaring temperatures in the 14 constituencies. From arranging shamianas and tents, additional fans and drinking water facilities, to keeping ambulances on standby and using adjacent rooms of the polling booth as waiting areas, the Election Commission is making efforts to ensure that the polling percentage is not affected due to the ''harsh summer''. In this first phase, Karnataka recorded 69.56 per cent voter turnout. Speaking to PTI, Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Meena said the constituencies where polling will take place on May 7 are in North Karnataka region and the temperature is slightly high there, ''so we have made all necessary arrangements to ensure that people aren't deterred from coming out of their homes to vote.''

After two decades in a political family, Prabha Mallikarjun makes electoral debut in Davangere

KARNATAKA: Coming from a political family and canvassing for Congress candidates for two decades and more in the past elections here, Prabha Mallikarjun is making her electoral debut in this Lok Sabha constituency. And interestingly, for the first time, Davangere will see a contest between two women -- Prabha is taking on BJP's Gayathri Siddeshwara. Once a Congress stronghold, the BJP has been winning the seat since 1999. The 48-year-old Prabha, a dentist, is the wife of District in-charge Minister S S Mallikarjun and daughter-in-law of veteran Congress leader and Davangere South MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa. Gayathri is the wife of four-time MP and former union minister G M Siddeshwara. Irrespective of who wins, Davangere will get its first woman MP. Prabha said that if elected, her top priority is health, education, employment, irrigation and drinking water issues. She is also keen on working towards women self-empowerment, establishment of handicraft industries, and encouraging home-based products. Every party has its own issues on which we build our political narrative. In Karnataka, especially, we have the Congress guarantee schemes which have worked really well. It has been pro-women.., Prabha said. We want to work to improve hospital services and availability of ambulances. I also want to focus on the mental health aspect of women, so at primary health centres, we want at least one day in a month dedicated to mental health issues in women, she told PTI in an interview. On how difficult is it for women in politics, she said, Women have 33 per cent reservation, but then these women have to express their opinion. They need not stand behind the men, their husbands. You have to actively come forward...We need women's voice because women are 50 per cent voters in every constituency. She added, Being a woman, I can definitely address their issues -- focus on their mental health aspect, their financial independence, their education, skill development and giving them their due respect and importance in society. Interestingly, both Prabha and Gayathri are contesting elections for the first time. On how her political background is helping her, Prabha said, It's been 26 years since I have been married into this family. So every MLA and MP elections till date, I have been with my 'karyakartas' doing canvassing with them and talking to people who come to our house, be it political or hospital-related issues. This interaction has helped and that is how people have understood my nature...the way I am accessible and available to them. Countering the charge of dynastic politics, she said she was never an aspirant for an MP seat. People themselves, our karyakartas through a public survey, realised that for Congress to win in Davangere, we require Prabha Mallikarjun as a candidate and that was a reason for my selection..., Prabha said.

Political Debut in Davangere: Prabha Mallikarjun Emerges After Two Decades in Renowned Political Family

Political Debut in Davangere: Prabha Mallikarjun Emerges After Two Decades in Renowned Political Family Coming from a political family and canvassing for Congress candidates for two decades and more in the past elections here, Prabha Mallikarjun is making her electoral debut in this Lok Sabha constituency. And interestingly, for the first time, Davangere will see a contest between two women -- Prabha is taking on BJP's Gayathri Siddeshwara. Once a Congress stronghold, the BJP has been winning the seat since 1999. The 48-year-old Prabha, a dentist, is the wife of District in-charge Minister S S Mallikarjun and daughter-in-law of veteran Congress leader and Davangere South MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa. Gayathri is the wife of four-time MP and former union minister G M Siddeshwara. Irrespective of who wins, Davangere will get its first woman MP. Prabha said that if elected, her top priority is health, education, employment, irrigation and drinking water issues. She is also keen on working towards women self-empowerment, establishment of handicraft industries, and encouraging home-based products. ''Every party has its own issues on which we build our political narrative. In Karnataka, especially, we have the Congress guarantee schemes which have worked really well. It has been pro-women..,'' Prabha said. ''We want to work to improve hospital services and availability of ambulances. I also want to focus on the mental health aspect of women, so at primary health centres, we want at least one day in a month dedicated to mental health issues in women,'' she told PTI in an interview. On how difficult is it for women in politics, she said, ''Women have 33 per cent reservation, but then these women have to express their opinion. They need not stand behind the men, their husbands. You have to actively come forward...We need women's voice because women are 50 per cent voters in every constituency. She added, ''Being a woman, I can definitely address their issues -- focus on their mental health aspect, their financial independence, their education, skill development and giving them their due respect and importance in society.'' Interestingly, both Prabha and Gayathri are contesting elections for the first time. On how her political background is helping her, Prabha said, ''It's been 26 years since I have been married into this family. So every MLA and MP elections till date, I have been with my 'karyakartas' doing canvassing with them and talking to people who come to our house, be it political or hospital-related issues. This interaction has helped and that is how people have understood my nature...the way I am accessible and available to them.'' Countering the charge of dynastic politics, she said she was never an aspirant for an MP seat. ''People themselves, our karyakartas through a public survey, realised that for Congress to win in Davangere, we require Prabha Mallikarjun as a candidate and that was a reason for my selection...,'' Prabha said.

'Kalyug aa gaya hai': Internet is disgusted with this 'cheese ice gola' in Ahmedabad - Deccan Herald

'Kalyug aa gaya hai': Internet is disgusted with this 'cheese ice gola' in Ahmedabad Deccan Herald

Opinion: Lingayat influence and scandal shadow- Karnataka braces for intense poll phase - India Today

Opinion: Lingayat influence and scandal shadow- Karnataka braces for intense poll phase India Today

Opinion: Lingayat influence and scandal shadow- Karnataka braces for intense poll phase

Opinion Lingayat influence and scandal shadow Karnataka braces for intense poll phase

Extended weekend, lack of info led to low voter turnout in Bengaluru: Panel

BENGALURU: From extended weekends to voter apathy, lack of information on candidates contesting to the timing of the poll day were discussed on Friday to find reasons for low poll percentage in Bengaluru Urban district (BBMP limits), which voted on April 26 in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The online discussion -- Low polling percentage in Bengaluru Urban district (BBMP) during Lok Sabha General Election 2024, what are the root causes? -- was organised by the Bangalore Political Action Committee (BPAC). The Voter Turnout Ratio (VTR) in Bengaluru Urban district decreased from 56.01% to 53.96% over the past decade (20142024), encompassing six elections. Dr Sandeep Shastri, the National Coordinator of the Lokniti Network, highlighted significant findings on Bengalurus voter turnout. He noted that except for the 1977 Lok Sabha election, where the turnout exceeded 60%, Bengaluru has consistently experienced lower voter participation, typically hovering around the 50% range. In six elections, turnout fell below the 50% mark. Recent surveys have revealed that a substantial number of registered voters either live outside the city or prefer to cast their votes in their hometowns rather than in Bengaluru, Shashtri mentioned. Vikram Rai, president, Bangalore Apartment Federation (BAF), presented the federations analysis on baseline errors in the electoral roll. He pointed out instances where registered voters within apartment complexes frequently change their residences, both within and outside the city, yet the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) fail to synchronise with citizens, leading to inaccuracies in the electoral roll. He emphasised the need for better coordination between BLOs and citizens to refine the enumeration process and address the high potential for inaccuracies, including the failure to remove outdated names from the roll. Sudheendra MG, the KPCC spokesperson, highlighted several issues regarding voter participation. As the block president of Mahalakshmi Layout, he noted that alongside voter apathy, there is a prevailing belief among the electorate that their individual votes hold little significance. Moreover, political parties are perceived to be less active in mobilizing voters to the polling stations compared to their efforts prior to the 1990s. Sudheendra also pointed out a specific case in Booth No 80, where discrepancies were found in the electoral rolls, with a significant number of families having shifted out of the area yet still listed as voters. He suggested that the Booth Level Agents (BLA) of parties should collaborate with BBMP officials to rectify such inaccuracies, improving the accuracy of voter turnout rates. Kaveri Kedarnath, former mandal president of Malleswaram from BJP, recounted her experience at Booth No 187 in the Malleswaram Assembly Constituency (ward 76 Gayatri Nagar). She observed that out of 996 voters, 40 had passed away, while 232 had relocated within or outside the constituency. Despite these changes, BLOs had not acted to update the voter information. She emphasised that while registering as a new voter is relatively straightforward, the process of shifting ones vote within or outside the Assembly constituency is more complex. Therefore, many individuals opt to re-register as new voters instead.

Sex scandal may not have much impact on polling

The sex scandal allegedly involving Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna that triggered a high-decibel political slugfest is unlikely to have much of an impact on the voting in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka that will go to the polls on Tuesday. Prajwal Revanna, the JDS-BJP combine candidate from Hassan constituency and looking at retaining his seat, is facing serious charges of sexually harassing several women. His father and JDS MLA, HD Revanna, is also named as accused in two FIRs. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the cases against members of one of the most influential political families in Karnataka, perhaps in the country. The three generations of the family of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda are currently members of both the Houses of Parliament and the state legislature. All three seats Hassan, Mandya, and Kolar contested by JDS went to polls in the second phase on April 26. Now, in the third phase, the BJP is in a direct contest with the Congress in 14 seats. BJPs alliance partner JDS is not a major force in those seats, although it has a presence in some pockets in North Karnataka. Hours after voting in the second phase of polls in the seats in Vokkaliga-dominated Old Mysuru region, the scandal exploded into becoming a major topic of discussion in political circles across India. As the details of the horrendous crimes started coming out, Congress used it to attack the BJP by accusing it of turning a blind eye to atrocities on women. It became one of the electoral issues in their campaigning. The Congress no-holds-barred attack may have pre-empted the BJPs plans to aggressively use womens safety issues to attack the Congress government in the state. The BJP was going hammer-and-tongs against the Siddaramaiah government over law-and-order issues, especially Neha Hiremaths murder on the college campus in Hubballi. The scandal involving its alliance candidate put the BJP on the backfoot to some extent, causing embarrassment to its top leaders. As a damage-control measure, JDS suspended Prajwal from the party and BJP turned the tables to question the State Government over delay in taking action against Prajwal as law and order is a state subject. While the issue remains a point of political discussion, it is unlikely to impact voters decisions. The major factors in these elections include: the BJPs emphasis on Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership and the Central Governments performance in the last 10 years, Congress focus on its five guarantee schemes, promises made in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls, and its sustained campaign against the Centre over alleged discrimination against Karnataka. The BJP, which in 2019 swept all 14 seats that will be going to the polls on May 7, will be banking on support from Lingayats as well as other communities to retain the seats. Congress is hoping to consolidate support from Dalits, backward classes, and minorities, while also trying to breach BJPs Lingayat fortress as it tries to improve its performance in North Karnataka. Determined to regain the lost ground, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge has been spending considerable time in his home district Kalaburagi, while also campaigning vigorously in other states. The scandal would have had a major impact on the elections had it exploded ahead of the April 26 polls in the Vokkaliga-dominated Old Mysuru region. The video clips were allegedly circulated days before the polls in Hassan. But the issue was confined to the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency. This is said to have damaged the JDS prospects in the constituency as it struggles to retain its home turf. But the question remains: why did it not come out in a big way before polls in Old Mysuru, escalating only hours after polling? Was Congress concerned about the possible backlash from a section of the Vokkaliga community? The Vokkaliga community members will not condone wrongdoings by anyone. However, if they had perceived it as an attempt to target former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowdas family, it might have proved counterproductive. Prajwal has to face the full force of the law, and the process has been set in motion. Another shameful part of the entire episode is the indiscriminate circulation of video clips without even morphing the identities of the victims. Will the state government show the same kind of alacrity and seriousness in punishing those responsible for circulating the videos? The videos should have been brought to the notice of law enforcement authorities at the first instance, not after they were circulated. No one condones crimes against women. Hopefully, the investigation covering all aspects will be pursued at the same pace even after the polls. Ramu Patil Assistant Resident Editor ramu@newindianexpress.com

Lingayats dont vote on caste lines in Dharwad

HUBBALLI : To deny BJP candidate Pralhad Joshi a fifth term from the Dharwad parliamentary segment, Congress is pitting him against the Lingayat community. Though the same strategy by the party has not been fruitful earlier, this time it hopes to get the support of Dingaleshwar Swami of Shirahatti Bhavaikya Peeth, who had filed his nomination papers to contest as an independent but later withdrew. Though Lingayats voters constitute over 25 per cent of the total electorate in the Dharwad segment, they have never voted along caste lines. In the last 17 elections, they have elected candidates from other communities majority of the times, except when transport baron Vijay Sankeshwar contested and won thrice. Of the other four MPs, three were Brahmins and one an OBC. In the first general election in 1952, DB Karmakar, a Brahmin, of Congress won against Kissan Mazdoor Praja Partys CT Kambali, a Lingayat. In 1957, Karmakar defeated independent candidate BN Munavalli, who was also a Lingayat. From 1962 to 1977, Brahmin candidate Sarojini Mahishi, who contested four elections, won twice against Lingayat candidates. In 1980, Mahishi, who was contesting on the Janata Party ticket, was defeated by DK Naikar from the Kuruba (OBC) community. He defeated Lingayat candidates fielded by either Janata Party or Janata Dal in the next three elections. Naikar, however, was defeated in 1996 by Sankeshwar, who was the first Lingayat elected from the constituency. He went on to win in 1998 and the 1999 snap elections against candidates from his community. In the 2004 election, the constituency again elected a Brahmin, Pralhad Joshi, who was contesting against retired bureaucrat BS Patil of Congress. Though the Grand Old Party put up Lingayat candidates against Joshi in the next three elections, it did not taste any success. Joshi defeated Manjunath Kunnur in 2009 and Vinay Kulkarni in 2014 and 2019. It has been proved time and again that the Lingayat community has always elected candidates from other communities, despite it being the most-populous community in the segment. But in this election, Vinay Kulkarni of Congress has been raising the Lingayat betrayal issue quite vigorously. He was denied the ticket as the court has barred him from entering Dharwad district for his alleged involvement in the killing of BJP member Yogishgouda Goudar. During campaigning, Vinay has been alleging that Joshi lured Lingayat seers with money and is creating a divide in the Lingayat community. The community would have no meaning unless Joshi is defeated in this election, he states during his campaigning. On the other hand, Dingaleshwar Swami has declared a holy war against Joshi, accusing the Union minister of dishonouring Lingayat seers and suppressing community leaders. Despite withdrawing from the contest, the pontiff has been campaigning against Joshi and is appealing to Lingayats to teach him a lesson to salvage the communitys pride. Whether these efforts would tilt the scales will be known on June 4.

20 years on, can Congress breach BJPs Kittur Karnataka citadel?

Kittur Karnataka, a long-standing BJP stronghold, faces a challenging BJP-Congress battle. Lingayat community's pivotal role in elections, recent incidents involving Neha Hiremath & Prajwal Revanna, and party dynamics contribute to the unfolding political landscape.