Vokkaliga seer backs Shivakumar for Karnataka CM post
Hassan(PTI): Vokkaliga seer Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji on Wednesday said it was both his personal view and the sentiment within the community that D K Shivakumar should become the next chief minister of Karnataka.
The pontiff of the Adichunchunagiri Math expressed confidence that the Congress high command would take an appropriate decision, citing Shivakumar’s loyalty and long service to the party.
His remarks come amid an intensifying power tussle in the ruling Congress, with speculation of a possible change of guard after the government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. Reports have pointed to an alleged "power-sharing" agreement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in 2023.
Shivakumar is a key leader from the Vokkaliga community, which has a strong presence in the Old Mysuru region.
"I am watching and reading in the media about the developments in the government. The Math is a center of faith for the Vokkaliga community and has been a voice for other communities as well. On the CM issue, Shivakumar has not spoken to me yet," the seer told reporters.
He noted that the Vokkaliga community has contributed leaders across all major parties, JD(S), BJP and Congress, who have worked for the state’s development.
"In the 2023 Assembly polls, people from the community voted, hoping one among us would become CM. It didn’t happen then. There was hope it would happen after 2.5 years, but that too now seems unlikely. If it doesn’t happen, it will sadden thousands of devotees of the Math," he said.
Calling the current "confusion" over leadership unhealthy for the state, the seer said it was the Congress high command’s responsibility to provide clarity.
"Shivakumar should become CM after 2.5 years—this is both my view and that of our devotees. The Congress high command should give an opportunity to someone who has worked like a disciplined soldier for the party, just as earlier Vokkaliga leaders, Kengal Hanumanthaiah, K C Reddy, H D Deve Gowda, S M Krishna, Sadananda Gowda and H D Kumaraswamy, served as CMs," he said.
Reiterating his appeal, the seer said making Shivakumar chief minister for the remaining term would reflect the wishes of devotees and recognise his loyalty and efforts in strengthening the Congress.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
