JD(S) planning revamp as HD Kumaraswamy goes to Centre; Nikhil likely to be new state chief
Bengaluru: JD(S) State President HD Kumaraswamy, who is Union Minister for Heavy Industries, is likely to pass the baton as state chief of the party to his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy. The party, therefore, is expecting a revamp after the Sankranti festival on January 14, sources in the JD(S) have said.
The JD(S) will organize a meeting, chaired by HD Kumaraswamy, in the second week of January, and elect the new state president on the occasion. Other issues, including strengthening the party in order to regain its hold over the Old Mysore region as well as parts of North Karnataka, will also be discussed, Deccan Herald has reported.
Incidentally, the senior leaders of the party too are likely to elect Nikhil Kumaraswamy as the new state president of the party, as they wish JD(S) to have more young leaders and attract more youngsters into the party. The seniors, however, have opined that Nikhil Kumaraswamy, who failed in electoral politics, has toured seven districts, but needs to hone his organizing skills.
“There are young legislators and leaders in the party. Their capabilities and network at the grassroots level will be utilized well to strengthen the party at the base,” sources said added. Young legislators like Harish Gowda, Sharanagouda Kandakur, Swaroop Prakash and Samrudhi Manjunath are gaining prominence in the political field, and also backed Nikhil at booth level during the polls. The JD(S), therefore, wishes to utilize their capabilities, the party sources added.
Referring to the support of the Lingayat community in North Karnataka, the sources said that the leaders plan to appoint Sharanagouda Kandakur as the president of Youth Janata Dal, which is now led by Nikhil.
Further, Harish Gowda, MLA from Hunsur constituency, is found to be close to Nikhil although his father and senior legislator of the JD(S) GT Deve Gowda has been maintaining a distance from the party.
Admitting that the party is accused of favouring family politics, the sources have clarified that the JD(S) leaders plan to appoint three working presidents and include members belonging to SC/ST communities and minorities. “The aim is to prove our potential in the upcoming zilla panchayat and taluk panchayat elections,” said a senior JD(S) leader.
Planning to undertake work at grass-root level, the JD(S) is likely to hold elections for the appointment of district and taluk-level leaders for the party.
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Mangaluru airport issues advisory to passengers, heightens security measures
Mangaluru: In response to recent cross-border attacks by Pakistan and rising tensions along the international boundary, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has directed airports across India to enhance security protocols. As part of this nationwide alert, Mangaluru International Airport has intensified surveillance, and introduced secondary ladder point checks (LPSC).
Explaining about the new protocol, Jaideep Shenoy, Public Relations Officer at Mangaluru International Airport, said that the secondary ladder point security check involves a second round of frisking. Passengers will first undergo standard checks by the CISF at the security checkpoint. Before boarding the aircraft, either via a boarding bridge or a bus, they will be subjected to an additional frisking by airline staff at the gate. Shenoy emphasized that the LPSC is a standard security measure implemented at all airports.
He also urged travelers to stay updated by checking the airport’s official social media channels for accurate and timely information.
In light of circulating reports regarding restrictions on visitor entry, Shenoy clarified that the entry of visitors into the terminal has always been restricted. Visitors may accompany passengers up to the departure gates or receive them at the arrival gates, as per existing rules.
In an advisory issued on Friday, Mangaluru International Airport urged passengers to arrive well in advance of their scheduled departures to accommodate extended security checks, and to cooperate with airport and security personnel.
The airport authorities also urged people not to share any unverified information.
#MangaluruAirport is fully operational, with your safety and comfort as our top priority. Stay informed and plan ahead to ensure a smooth journey.
— Mangaluru Airport (@mlrairport) May 9, 2025
Here’s everything you need to know before you fly, from security guidelines to handy dos and don’ts.
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