Two sitting MLAs from Dakshina Kannada misses out on BJP ticket
Mangaluru: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its list of 189 candidates for the upcoming Karnataka elections, with a few unexpected changes in the Dakshina Kannada district. The announcement came on Sunday, with a few major surprises in store for the people of Karnataka.
One of the most noteworthy changes is the ticket given to Bhagirathi Murulya from Sullia, leaving the incumbent minister Angara out of the race. This decision has come as a shock to many as Angara was considered a strong candidate in the region.
In another unexpected move, the BJP has given the ticket to Ex-G.P. Member Satish Kumpala from Mangalore (Ullala). This decision has raised eyebrows, as Kumpala was not seen as a frontrunner for the ticket.
Former Zilla Panchayat president Asha Thimmappa Gowda has also been given the ticket from Puttur, leaving sitting MLA Sanjiva Mathandur out of the race.
However, all other sitting MLAs in the Dakshina Kannada district have been given tickets again. Vedavyasa Kamath from Mangalore South, Dr. Bharat Shetty from Mangalore North. Rajesh Naik from Bantwala, Umanath Kotyan from Moodbidri, and Harish Poonja from Belthangady will again be BJP candidates.
The BJP's decision to field new faces in some constituencies has come as a surprise to many, especially in Dakshina Kannada district, which is considered a BJP stronghold.
The Karnataka elections are scheduled to be held on May 1, and the results will be declared on May 13.
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Eminent writer Vinod Kumar Shukla's last rites performed with full state honours in Raipur
Raipur (PTI): The last rites of renowned Chhattisgarh-based Hindi writer and Jnanpith Award recipient Vinod Kumar Shukla were performed with full state honours in state capital Raipur on Wednesday.
The last rites of the 88-year-old writer were held at Marwadi Shamshan Ghat in Budha Talab area here this afternoon where senior officials, litterateur, journalists and people from other walks of life bid an emotional farewell to him. His son Shashwat Shukla lit the funeral pyre.
Prior to that, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited the residence of the late litterateur at Shailendra Nagar here and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.
Talking to reporters, Sai said the demise of Vinod Kumar Shukla has caused an irreparable loss to Hindi literature.
"Born in the soil of Chhattisgarh, Shukla's writings are a unique blend of sensitivity, human values and simple yet profound expression. His literary contribution took Hindi literature to new heights," the CM said.
"His works not only deeply touch readers but will continue to inspire and guide future generations. His contribution to the literary world will always be remembered," Sai added.
The CM offered a wreath on Shukla's mortal remains and prayed for peace to the departed soul. He also lent his shoulder to Shukla's mortal remains and joined the funeral procession, bidding an emotional farewell to the renowned writer.
Talking to reporters after visiting Shukla's residence, noted poet Dr Kumar Vishwas said his death marks the end of an era in Indian poetry.
Recalling his association with the writer, Vishwas said that for those born in the 1970s and whose literary consciousness developed in the 1980s, reading and listening to Vinod Kumar Shukla was an experience in itself.
Indian and Hindi poetry have suffered a major loss with his passing, he said.
He remained away from publicity and lived like a quiet seeker, and departed in the same serene manner. Indian poetry will always remember him for his immense contribution. I have come to pay my final respects, Dr Vishwas said.
Shukla died on Tuesday evening due to age-related ailments at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur.
Born on January 1, 1937, in Rajnandgaon (now in Chhattisgarh), Vinod Kumar Shukla is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in Hindi literature. He authored acclaimed novels such as "Naukar Ki Kameez", "Khilega To Dekhenge", "Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi" and "Ek Chuppi Jagah".
His work captures the emotions of ordinary people, portraying everyday life, and exploring the intricate realities of society. He was widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in Hindi literature, known for his unique, simple, and deeply evocative writing style.
Shukla received both of India's most prestigious literary honours: The Sahitya Akademi Award for "Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi" in 1999, and the 59th Jnanpith Award in November this year, becoming only the 12th Hindi author to earn this distinguished recognition.
The Jnanpith award was presented to him on November 21 at a small ceremony held at his residence. He was the first author from Chhattisgarh to receive the prestigious award.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Chhattisgarh on November 1, spoke to the family members of the acclaimed writer and enquired about his health and well-being.
Shukla's novel "Naukar Ki Kameez" was adapted into a film of the same name by filmmaker Mani Kaul.
