Coastal Karnataka needs able leadership now
The JD(S) and Congress coalition government has come into existence. H D Kumaraswamy, a very down to earth person and an excellent politician has taken oath to the office of CM. During his last term as Chief Minister, Kumaraswamy had introduced the concept of ‘village stay’ and had tried his best to eliminate the distance between the common person and the rulers. Though it was criticized by some, Kumaraswamy became a familiar face in rural Karnataka. It was too early in 2008, and he didn’t have the experience to build on that and manage his image thereafter. The coalition with BJP had complicated the matters for him. Yet, he had tried to deliver his best. This time around, his coalition is with a secular party – Congress – which has extended its support to him being the CM.
He is experienced too, this time around and has firm support and guidance of his father senior politician former Prime Minister Devegowda. Hence, the expectations from his government are high this time. Farmers’ distress and communal clashes are the most important challenges that the coalition government would be facing this term.
BJP had faced a humiliating defeat in 2013 assembly elections in Coastal Karnataka. BJP leaders had brought it upon themselves. But the lotus has bloomed again in undivided coastal Karnataka and BJP has won the seats. The party never sought elections in the name of development or progress. It went to the voters with ‘hindutva’ card. Sangh Parivar did all it can, to start communal clashes and seek votes in coastal Karnataka. Naturally BJP reaped the benefit of that in elections. Though the Sangh parivar tried to create similar clashes in other parts of the state, and the government couldn’t contain these efforts. As a result, Congress paid a heavy price in the elections.
Now that the BJP is deeply disappointed at not having been able to form the government, it will do everything it can, to destabilize the current government. It may spread anarchy starting from coastal Karnataka in order to create troubles for the government. Now that the Sangh Parivar is well established through politics too in this area, things would get easier too. Without any standing in the past, Sangh Parivar could wield the power. Now with powerful positions to its men, things become even easier than before.
Hence, it is imperative that the government elects a strong statesman as district incharge for coastal Karnataka. Except for Mangalore constituency, there is not a single Cong JD(S) MLA in the area. The government should not select someone weak for district incharge minister coming under some pressure or as a return to some favours. The inexperienced would only indirectly hand over the area to those experienced miscreants who can play their games taking advantage of the situation.
CM Kumaraswamy must identify a strong experienced leader who can take care of this area really well, with their political acumen and enable people to live here with peace. Congress has many such leaders, they must be put to service. This step is highly necessary in order to run the government without any troubles brewing here for the next five years.
The undivided coastal Karnataka, especially Mangalore, is the core of development and business. People would want to invest in Mangalore because the area holds a large potential. All the schemes and plans that were started last time, are waiting to get to the next level and works are in progress. Thousands of crores are being invested here. Miscreants can raze all this to dust with their evil plans. An able minister can steer the area towards development with his focus. The Ettina Hole project is mired in controversy and the unrest among people is palpable. Development and peace are what coastal area needs now and to enable this, an able leader is required in this area. This area needs to be calm to enable development works to go further. Our CM needs to understand this requirement and appoint a good able leader for this area.
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Axar shifts focus to next IPL after KKR all but end DC's campaign
New Delhi (PTI): A beleaguered Axar Patel admitted that both his team's batters and bowlers let the side down after Delhi Capitals suffered a humiliating eight-wicket defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders, virtually ending their IPL 2026 playoff hopes, while indicating the team had already begun looking ahead to the next season.
DC endured a miserable outing at home, managing only 142/8, which Kolkata Knight Riders chased down in just 14.2 overs, powered by a blistering unbeaten 100 from Finn Allen and his destructive stand with Cameron Green (33 not out) as the visitors tore apart the bowling attack.
With just eight points from 11 matches, DC are eighth on the table, while KKR revived their playoff hopes with a resurgent run, moving to seventh with nine points from 10 outings, though their road to the knockouts still remains difficult.
"For now, we'll go back and think about the mistakes we made. After that, obviously there's still a long journey ahead and next year will come too. So we'll think about what plans we can make for next year and what approach we should take," said Axar after the match.
"Based on that, we can also look at the players sitting on the bench and decide who can be given opportunities and what changes we can make," he added, hinting at a possible major overhaul next season.
With 200-plus totals becoming the norm this season, 142 was always going to be inadequate, and Axar admitted the score was well below par while also pointing out at poor judgement shown by the spinners while defending the modest total.
"I think the runs were definitely below par and at the same time the spinners made quite a few mistakes. Looking at the way the pitch behaved, I feel the spinners did make errors.
"At the same time, we lost five wickets in two-three overs, and I think that's where the momentum slipped away from us. That's probably something we need to think about because the same thing happened against CSK...we started well, and then suddenly wickets kept falling," he added.
He admitted the solutions to the issues could be found but players need to show the right mindset and character.
"See, you can't solve it in a complicated way. So, I think it's more about applying the right mindset. Even if you lose one or two wickets, you can still spend time at the crease and play through it. I think that's what needs to be applied, when wickets are falling in clusters, you need to absorb the pressure for an over or two," opined Axar.
KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane was pleased to see a struggling Finn Allen finally rediscover his touch with the bat.
"I'm really happy for Finn Allen. He was struggling first four or five games, working really hard, but the way he batted tonight was fantastic. But I want to praise our bowlers again.
"We did well because of them. And they've been doing it so well consistently, especially those middle overs and the death overs. Our spinners, Sunil Narine, Varun (Chakravarthy) and Anukul Roy, have been fantastic," he said.
"Fielding-wise, yes, we are working really hard. Our fielding coach has been really strict with us. And that's what has been helping us. The result which you've been seeing about the catches and the ground fielding, credit goes to our fielding coach as well," he added.
