BJP and Congress in tight fight in Dakshina Kannada district as election fever rises
Mangaluru: In Dakshina Kannada, a district long dominated by the BJP, the upcoming election is shaping up to be a close contest with the Congress fielding former Union Minister and Senior Congress leader B Janardhan's Pujari disciple Padmaraj against the BJP's candidate, former army officer Captain Brijesh Chowta.
The BJP has made a significant change by denying a ticket to sitting MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and instead fielding Chowta. Both Chowta and Padmaraj hold important positions in their respective parties at the state level, adding to the intensity of the competition.
The Bahujan Samaj Party has announced Kantappa Alangar as its official candidate, adding another dimension to the race in addition to the strong forces of the BJP and Congress.
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Candidates from both parties have begun their election preparations by seeking blessings from religious leaders, but the true nature of the competition will only be revealed after nomination papers are submitted.
Unlike the previous election where both BJP and Congress candidates belonged to the Bunt community, this time the Congress has fielded a candidate from the Billava community, a move seen as an attempt to appeal to a decisive voter base for the BJP. The effectiveness of this strategy will be evident in the election results.
Both BJP and Congress candidates are not grassroots workers of their parties but have used their influence to secure tickets, leading to discontent among some senior leaders. Despite being denied a ticket, Nalin Kumar Kateel has expressed satisfaction with the party's decision, highlighting his achievements as a Member of Parliament.
For B. Janardana Pujari, a veteran Congress leader, this election holds significance as he has been striving to re-enter Parliament after several unsuccessful attempts. The Congress high command has strategically given responsibilities to seniors to avoid upsetting those who were aspiring for tickets.
As election fever slowly rises amidst challenges such as the scorching summer heat and drinking water problems, the battle for Dakshina Kannada district is expected to be closely watched.
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Education that develops humanity is need of the hour, says Kemaru Swamiji at KMES event
Karkala: The new building complex of KMES Educational Institutions in Kukkundoor, Karkala, was inaugurated on Sunday. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shri Shri Esha Vittaladasa Swamiji of Sandipani Sadhana Ashram, Shree Kshetra, Kemaru, emphasized that education is not just about obtaining degrees but must instill human values in children. True education, he said, should unite people beyond caste and religion. He appreciated the work being done by KMES Educational Institutions in this regard.
Swamiji noted that education should be a path to self-empowerment. He said that being first in life is more important than being first on paper, and that education should help us live as better human beings.
He also highlighted the institution’s commendable work in offering free education to underprivileged children, calling it a true service to God. Swamiji acknowledged the major contribution of KS Nisar Ahmed and KS Imtiaz Ahmed in helping to purchase the land needed for the school from the Math, and praised their generous spirit.
Former Minister and MLA V. Sunil Kumar inaugurated the new high school building. He noted that the institution has been doing significant work in education for many years. He added that education should shape our lives, and as a result, the institution itself should grow. He said that the school is now providing quality education to the children of Karkala, and a conducive learning environment has been created.
He also acknowledged the immense contribution of KS Nisar Ahmed in the growth of the institution since its inception. He recalled that Ahmed has supported many initiatives in Karkala, including the construction and donation of an oxygen plant to the government hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant contribution to the town.
The renovated primary school building was inaugurated by Al Haj K.S. Mohammed Masood, former Chairman of the State Minorities Commission and President of the Muslim Central Committee. The auditorium was inaugurated by Dr. Kirthinath Ballal, Associate Professor at Manipal Kasturba Medical College and Chief Medical Officer at Dr. T.M.A. Pai Rotary Hospital, Karkala.
The renovated PUC building was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Wallace Prajwal Aranha S.V.D., a priest of the U.S. Chicago Province Society of the Divine Word. The computer lab building was inaugurated by Maulana Abdul Hafeez Al Qasimi of Attur Al Hawwa Mosque. The principal’s office was inaugurated by businessman K.S. Fazal Rahman, brother of K.S. Nissar Ahmed.
The library building was inaugurated by Udaya Kumar Shetty Muniyalu, President of the Udaya Krishnaiah Shetty Charitable Trust. The teachers' room was inaugurated by Balakrishna, head of the Karkala District Education Officer's Office. The primary school computer lab was inaugurated by Usha K., President of Kukkundoor Grama Samiti. The headmaster’s room was inaugurated by college alumnus and Miss Karnataka Style Icon Apeksha V. Hegde.
During the event, Shaukat Azeem Karkala, a college alumnus who secured the 345th rank in the UPSC examination, was felicitated. Students who achieved various accomplishments and ranks, along with individuals who have long served the institution, were also honoured.
K.S. Imtiaz Ahmed, President of KMES Educational Institutions, delivered the introductory speech. Lolita Zeena D’Silva, Headmistress of the Primary School, welcomed the gathering. The vote of thanks was proposed by in-charge Principal Patkar. Teachers Nalini Acharya and Prakash Nayak compered the programme.
K.S. Nisar Ahmed Deserves a National Award
Speaking at the event, K.S. Imtiaz Ahmed stated that KMES Educational Institutions, which started in 1984 in a small room of an Urdu school, have grown significantly due to the support of many people. However, the unwavering encouragement, support, and cooperation of K.S. Nisar Ahmed have made him the backbone of the institution. Without his involvement, it would not have been possible to sustain the school.
He emphasized that it was Nisar Ahmed’s determination that rural poor children should receive quality education. Because of this commitment, the institution has provided free education to underprivileged children. Thousands of students educated here now hold respected positions in society as doctors, engineers, politicians, police officers, and IAS officers.
K.S. Nisar Ahmed has not only supported educational causes but has extended his help to people of all communities, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike. He has financially supported temples, helped poor children get married, built homes, and provided vehicles. His service to society is done without any publicity, and for this, he deserves a national award.
