Congress stages protest rally in Mangaluru against attack on MLC Ivan D'Souza's residence
Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee organized a protest rally in Mangaluru on Friday, condemning the recent attack on the residence of senior Congress MLC Ivan D'Souza. The rally, which began at D'Souza's house in Valencia and concluded at Kankanady Circle, was in response to the stone-pelting incident on Wednesday night, allegedly carried out by BJP and Sangh Parivar activists.
The attack on D'Souza's house is believed to have been sparked by his strong criticism of Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, following the Governor's decision to grant permission for the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The CM is facing allegations related to illegal site allocations under the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
During the protest, Congress leaders and party members marched from Valencia to Kankanady Circle, chanting slogans against the BJP, whose activists have been accused of involvement in the attack. The rally culminated in a protest meeting on the footpath near Kankanady Circle, where police had set up barricades to prevent further escalation.
MLC Ivan D'Souza, along with District Congress President Harish Kumar, KPCC Spokesperson MG Hegde, former MLA JR Lobo, and other Congress leaders including PV Mohan and Deviprasad Shetty, addressed the gathering. They condemned the attack and called for justice.
In light of the protest, police security was increased along the rally route. Hundreds of police personnel were deployed to maintain order and ensure the safety of participants, with barricades placed at Kankanady Circle as a precautionary measure.
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Will Champai Soren become a game-changer for BJP in Jharkhand polls?
Ranchi: Champai Soren, a prominent figure in Jharkhand’s statehood movement, is contesting the 2024 assembly elections from Seraikela, a seat he has consistently held since 1991.
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Soren’s switiching is seen as a strategic benefit for the saffron party, which has been working to expand its appeal among Jharkhand’s tribal communities, a demographic traditionally aligned with the JMM. His departure from the JMM, led by Shibu Soren and his son Hemant Soren, was fueled by dissatisfaction with the state government’s policies, which he claimed had failed to address tribal concerns.
Also known as "Jharkhand’s Tiger" for his instrumental role in the statehood movement of the 1990s, Champai Soren has respect and influence among tribal voters. His decision to switch the party could be a turning point in the BJP’s efforts to gain a stronger hold in a state where tribal votes often decide the outcome.
