Cong MLA Nayana shares stage with Pramod Muthalik, sparks row with remark on party switch
Moodigere: A political controversy has erupted after Congress MLA Nayana Motamma was seen sharing the stage with Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik at a Ganesh Utsav event held at Adyantaya Ranga Mandira in Moodigere town on Tuesday.
The event was organised by the Public Shri Hindu Mahasabha Ganapati Seva Samiti for the release of a logo ahead of the festival.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Nayana Motamma said, “Wearing the saffron shawl is for Ganesha and my religion. My party workers have also accompanied me here. I was born a Hindu, a Dalit, and a woman. I’ve come here with that identity. Representing a political party as an MLA comes later. Today, I am here as the Ganapati Committee Chairperson. Whether I continue in Congress or join BJP, BSP, or SDPI – we will see after three years.”
She urged the public not to view the Ganapati celebration through a political lens. “Let us celebrate this festival in a grand way like Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja,” she said.
Her statement, especially the part about possibly changing political parties, has triggered sharp reactions on social media and among political circles. Several Congress leaders, party workers, and progressive groups expressed strong disapproval, stating that the comments undermine the efforts of the Congress cadre who worked hard to ensure her electoral success.
The fact that she shared the stage with Pramod Muthalik, a controversial figure often associated with the Sangh Parivar, has further intensified the backlash. Critics have called it an insult to the Congress leadership and party ideology.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Chairman M.K. Pranesh praised the unique approach taken this year to celebrate Ganesh Utsav. The event was presided over by Ganapati Seva Samiti President Anukumar.
Pramod Muthalik officially unveiled the festival’s logo during the programme.
Other dignitaries present included M.R. Jagadeesh, Halse Shivanna, Ranjan Ajith Kumar, Javaregowda, J.S. Raghu, H.D. Ramegowda, Vinod Kanachuru, Vinay Halekote, Sudheer, M.S. Sujith, advocate Siddayya, Patel Manju, and Vijay Kumar.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
