People to boycott voting against bus facility
Mangaluru, May 7: Condemning the apathy in beginning the KSRTC bus service from Bijai KSRTC bus stand to Bajal Padpu via Padilu-Faisal Nagar despite the facility has been sanctioned, the people of Bajal, Kallakatta Padpu have decided to boycott the voting to be held on May 12.
People have been demanding KSRTC bus facility for this region for the last many years. Following their demand, then deputy commissioner Jagadeesh had order the bus service. In view of this, one KSRTC bus started its journey as an experimental basis on March 24. As a part of a building was attached to the road at Bajal Nantur cross, the bus facility was stopped. Though the local representatives and people appealed the building owner to make way for the bus, he did not respond to their request.
Against this, the people have urged the district administration to remove the portion of the building by acquiring the land and pave way for the bus service. Otherwise, residents of more than 300 houses would boycott the election, they said.
Local leaders Mustafa, Seetarama Naik, Sirajuddin and others led the protest.
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Bhatkal community distributed over 1.2 lakh kilos of rice to needy families ahead of Eid
Bhatkal: Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, residents of Bhatkal and surrounding areas had distributed over 1.2 lakh kilograms of rice to economically disadvantaged families. The distribution formed part of the annual Fitra initiative coordinated by the Central Fitra Committee, which has been overseeing this programme for the past four decades.
In 2025, the campaign covered 1,859 families across towns and villages including Bhatkal, Honnavar, Kumta, Ankola, and Shirur. According to Maulana Mohammed Ilyas Jakati Nadwi, convener of the committee, 58 distribution zones were established to manage the process efficiently.
The initiative was supported by contributions from the Bhatkali diaspora in Gulf countries, who have regularly sent Fitra donations during Ramadan.
Most families received approximately 50 kilograms of rice, while larger households and those with disabled members were provided up to 100 kilograms. For the fourth year, the distribution included five kilograms of Basmati rice per family.
The campaign also reached the Sharavathi region, covering villages such as Gersuppa, Herangadi, and Saralgi, which have been included in recent years.
Local volunteers, youth groups, and religious organisations facilitated the distribution, which aimed to address essential needs and encourage community support.
Following the distribution, a review meeting was held at Mohkama Shariah Hall, organised by Cosmos Sports Center. The meeting was attended by representatives from Gulf-based Bhatkali Jamaats, local NGOs, scholars, and members of religious and educational institutions. Discussions focused on improving logistics, expanding outreach, and maintaining transparency in future campaigns.
