Karnataka bypolls: BJP announces candidates, fields Suresh Angadi's wife from Belgaum
Bengaluru, Mar 25: The ruling BJP on Thursday announced its candidates for the April 17 by-elections in Karnataka, fielding Mangala Suresh Angadi, wife of late Union Minister Suresh Angadi, from Belgaum Lok Sabha seat.
Pratapagouda Patil, who quit the Congress and joined the party would be its candidate in Maski assembly segment; while youth leader Sharanu Salagar has been fielded in Basavakalyan, a BJP press release said.
By-polls to Belgaum Lok Sabha and Basavakalyan Assembly seats are necessitated following the death of Suresh Angadi of the BJP and Congress MLA B Narayan Rao, respectively due to COVID-19 in September last year.
While, Maski assembly seat fell vacant following the disqualification of Pratapagouda Patil for his role along with others that led to the collapse of the previous Congress-JD(S) coalition government.
The bypolls will be held on April 17 and the counting of votes will take place on May 2.
Among other factors, Congress seems to be eyeing sympathy wave in favour of Mangala in Belgaum, where Congress and JD(S) are yet to finalise their candidates. There have been talks from the beginning within the BJP circles to give ticket to Suresh Angadi's family member from Belgaum, and names of his daughter Shradha, along with Industries Minister Jagadish Shettar, MLC Mahantesh Kavatagimath were doing rounds.
While, Congress has fielded Basanagouda Turvihal, who was the BJP's candidate in 2018 and had lost by a margin of just 213 votes against Prathapagouda Patil, then with the Congress, from Maski; Mallamma, the wife of late legislator B Narayan Rao, is its candidate in Basavakalyan.
JD(S) has named Syed Yasrab Ali Quadri, who was with the Congress earlier as its candidate from Basavakalyan, and is yet to announce a candidate for Maski seat.
The gazette notification for the bypolls was issued on March 23. The last date for filing of nominations will be on March 30, and its scrutiny will take place on the very next day. April 3 is the last date for withdrawal of candidatures.
While BJP, that has won most of the bypolls after coming to power in aiming to continue its winning streak. Congress that has been targeting the ruling party for its alleged failures in providing good administration, corruption and impropriety following the sex scandal is hoping to make a mark by winning seats. It at least aims to retain Basavakalyan and Maski, which it had won in the 2018 assembly elections. JD(S)'' Kumaraswamy is also hoping big, especially in Basavakalyan, which he has said is the party''s "strong hold".
ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ಲೋಕಸಭಾ ಉಪಚುನಾವಣೆಗೆ ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಯಾಗಿ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ಮಂಗಳಾ ಸುರೇಶ್ ಅಂಗಡಿ. pic.twitter.com/c3UmULONm8
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) March 25, 2021
ಬಸವಕಲ್ಯಾಣ ವಿಧಾನಸಭಾ ಉಪಚುನಾವಣೆಗೆ ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಯಾಗಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಶರಣು ಸಲಗಾರ್. pic.twitter.com/n8RQKADqpz
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) March 25, 2021
ಮಸ್ಕಿ ವಿಧಾನಸಭಾ ಉಪಚುನಾವಣೆಗೆ ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿಯಾಗಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಪ್ರತಾಪ್ ಗೌಡ ಪಾಟೀಲ್. pic.twitter.com/TNnbcN6d1W
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) March 25, 2021
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
