K’taka Election Results: BJP secures 6 seats; Congress wins 2 in Dakshina Kannada district
Mangaluru: In a closely contested election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in six out of eight constituencies in the district, solidifying its hold on the region. The Congress party managed to secure two seats, with its candidates winning in Mangaluru and Puttur.
Congress Party's U T Khader, a prominent figure in the district, emerged as the clear winner in the Mangaluru constituency. With an impressive track record, Khader clinched victory for the fifth consecutive time, demonstrating his popularity among the electorate.
The Puttur constituency witnessed a tight race between Ashok Kumar Rai of the Congress Party and the independent candidate Arun Kumar Puthila. In the end, Rai emerged triumphant, capturing the seat after a closely contested race.
Meanwhile, the BJP secured victories in the remaining six constituencies. Vedavyas Kamath emerged victorious in Mangaluru South, while Dr Bharath Shetty claimed the Mangaluru North seat. Umanath Kotian triumphed in Moodbidri, Rajesh Naik emerged victorious in Bantwal, and Harish Poonja secured the Belthangady seat. Bhagirathi Murulya, a new contender, also tasted success in the Sullia constituency, marking her debut with a win.
While U T Khader has won five times in a row, Vedavyas Kamath, Dr Bharath Shetty, Umanath Kotian, Rajesh Naik and Harish Poonja have won for the second time in a row, Bhagirathi Murulya and Ashok Kumar Rai have won in their first attempt.
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Nearly 4,000 pilgrims set sail for Katchatheevu islet to participate in annual two-day festival
Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) (PTI): Nearly 4,000 Indian pilgrims on Friday set sail for the uninhabited Katchatheevu islet to participate in the annual two-day festival, which will officially commence at 4 pm at the St Antony’s Church, officials said.
The festival marks a significant moment of shared cultural and religious heritage between India and Sri Lanka.
The first batch of devotees was flagged off from the Rameswaram fishing harbour at approximately 6 am by Ramanathapuram District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon.
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According to official records, a total of 3,996 registered pilgrims -- comprising 3,033 men, 726 women, and 150 children -- are crossing the Palk Strait in a fleet of 118 boats, which includes 92 mechanised trawlers and 26 country boats.
The festival will officially commence with a traditional flag-hoisting ceremony. This will be followed by the 'Way of the Cross' procession and a late-night chariot festival, where the statue of the patron saint will be carried around the shrine by Sri Lankan Navy personnel, sources said.
Strict security measures are in place, with the Indian Coast Guard and Customs department conducting a three-tier verification process at the Rameswaram jetty. All pilgrims were required to produce their Aadhaar cards and a mandatory Police No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Authorities have strictly prohibited the carriage of plastic items, alcohol, and excessive jewellery.
According to official sources, all vessels are equipped with adequate life jackets and are being escorted by Coast Guard hovercrafts up to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
The festivities will reach their peak on Saturday morning with a Special High Mass conducted by the Bishops of Jaffna and Colombo in both Tamil and Sinhala. The event will conclude with the lowering of the flag, after which the Indian pilgrims will begin their return journey.
To facilitate the event, the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department has enforced a total fishing ban in the region until March 1, leaving over 1,000 local boats moored at the docks to ensure clear passage for the pilgrim fleet.
The islet was ceded to Sri Lanka by India by ways of two agreements in 1970s.
