Will campaign against Pramod Madhwaraj’s scam in the constituency: RTI Activist Abraham TJ
Udupi: RTI Activist Abraham TJ on Saturday added that he will campaign against the JD(S) Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha Constituency Candidate Pramod Madhwaraj, who he alleged had availed loan of Rs. 193 crores but has showed his wealth to be only one crore on papers.
In March 2018, Abraham had filed a complaint in Finance Ministry that Madhwaraj had availed loan of Rs. 193 crores from Syndicate Bank’s Malpe branch. Pramod had then filed a defamation suit in Udupi court in the matter.
Speaking to reporters after appearing before the court in the case Abraham said “I will highlight this issue throughout the constituency and urge people to vote anybody except Madhwaraj. The man who loots the country should not go to Parliament”.
“This is personal decision, not affiliated to any party. I will take this opportunity of election against Madhwaraj who used the court against me”
“He filed defamation case against me to harass me, he has violated my human right. Now it is time to pay back, I will teach him the lesson during the election. I am also preparing to file criminal case against him, I have all the data against him which will bring all his deeds in public” he added.
“I have been attending the court regularly. This is the 11th time I have appeared before court while Madhwaraj has given the hearing a miss on many occasions. Last time the court had compulsorily asked Madhwaraj to be present today but he again did not appear. Now the court has asked him to be present during next hearing” he said while briefing about the case progress.
The court has now posted the next hearing on May 4.
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Karnataka gram panchayats achieve 89% of tax collection target
Bengaluru: Gram panchayats across Karnataka have recorded a strong improvement in revenue mobilisation, realising 89% of the tax collection target for the financial year 2025-26, one of the highest levels in recent years, The Hindu reported.
According to the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, 5,943 gram panchayats reported higher collections compared to the previous year. The total tax collection stood at Rs 1,382.57 crore, marking an increase of Rs 110.04 crore from Rs 1,272.54 crore collected in 2024-25.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge said state had previously secured the top position at the national level in tax collection and revenue mobilisation with respect to village panchayats, and the continued upward trend highlights the impact of “efficient administration, strict enforcement of regulations, and strengthened tax collection mechanisms.”
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In 2024-25, gram panchayats had realised 80% of the demand, collecting Rs 1,272.54 crore for the first time in the department’s history. Building on this, the state has now reached a record 89% realisation.
Highlighting district-wise performance, the minister noted that Raichur recorded 129% tax collection, while 11 districts crossed 100% realisation.
He said the improvement was driven by awareness campaigns, focused collection drives, and sustained efforts of officials at all levels, from bill collectors to senior administrators.
“Our focus over the past few years has been on improving systems, ensuring accountability, and empowering local bodies to enhance their own revenue capabilities. It is encouraging to see that every rupee collected is being reinvested into village infrastructure, public services, and local development. This is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable rural growth,” he said.
