Modi speaks to Karnataka CM on flood situation
New Delhi, Aug 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy about the flood situation in the state and assured him that the central government would extend all possible help.
"Spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy ji regarding the flood situation in parts of the state. Extended all possible support in the rescue and relief operations. I pray for the safety and well-being of those in the flood affected areas," the Prime Minister said in a tweet.
About 3,500 marooned people were rescued in Karnataka's worst flood-hit Kodagu district even as incessant rains hampered relief work, the government said on Sunday.
"The Indian Army, Navy and other state and central agencies have rescued more than 3,500 people so far," a statement from Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's office said.
The rescued people have been shifted to 30 relief camps and efforts were on to reach the others held up on hilltops.
The exact number of people still stranded across the district could not be ascertained from the officials.
Located in the Western Ghats mountain ranges, the coffee-growing district is the worst-hit due to the south-west monsoon rains since June first week.
The incessant rains have been causing flooding and landslips across the region, damaging the arterial roads.
Over 60 people have been stranded in Mukkodlu village of the district, but airlifting them has not been possible due to bad weather, Kumaraswamy said on Saturday.
About 300 people were rescued on Saturday, including more than 30 senior citizens and 50 children.
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Viral song for Kageri kicks off debate on sidelining OBC voters in Uttar Kannada
A viral song in Classical mode soliciting votes for BJP Candidate in Uttar Kannada constituency Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri has kicked off a controversy for asking the Brahmin community to vote in unity for the ‘Brahmin candidate’. Supporters of incumbent MP Anantkumar Hegde have criticized the song and it has worsened the already tarnished image of Kageri for Brahmin favouritism.
The song of 3.52 minutes duration, sung by a female artiste, has been made viral by Kageri’s supporters in Uttar Kannada through hundreds of WhatsApp groups. The song begins with the line “yochisi mata hakavu, brahmanarella BJP ashtaravu” and urges the listeners to make the ‘Brahmin candidate’ win with majority. Supporters of incumbent MP Anantkumar Hegde were infuriated as the song went viral and openly questioned Kageri if he didn’t need any OBC votes.
There is a direct competition in Uttar Kannada Lok Sabha constituency, this time, between BJP’s Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri who comes from the Brahmin community and Congress’ Dr Anjali Nimbalkar who is from the OBC Maratha group.
Incumbent MP Anantkumar Hegde hasn’t yet participated in any election campaigns for Kageri, neither has he given any statement in the new candidate’s favour. A group of Hegde supporters is working in favour of Dr Anjali, while another group has decided to stay neutral in the elections. Social media has seen a surge in opposition to Kageri due to the song and netizens have commented that Kageri won’t be even a panchayat member, if he is only voted by the Brahmins, reports state.
