Bengaluru (also called Bangalore) is the capital of India's southern Karnataka state. The center of India's high-tech industry, the city is also known for its parks and nightlife.

Use of Air Purifiers at 200 junctions to clean Bengaluru's air starts

In this Episode of WION Traveller we follow Johan to a little known hill town near the border or Karnataka, where he gets to experience rural life by milking cows, picking strawberries, and climb a beetle nut tree just like the spice farm owner. He also explores an old pond said to have bubbles come to the surface after clapping your hands.

WION Traveller S2 Episode 25 – Verlem: Goa's secret hill station

Trouble is brewing again for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-jds-coalition-is-a-20-commission-government-pm-modi-209866">coalition government in the South Indian state of Karnataka</a> as another MLA has assured he will be resigning from the Congress party over differences.

Ramesh Jarkiholi, the MLA from Gokak constituency, and the leader who led the rebellion in January this year has&nbsp;said he will soon be quitting the Congress. Ramesh was also seen campaigning for the BJP in the run-up to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-karnataka-to-witness-neck-to-neck-contests-211263">Lok Sabha elections</a>.

'I have not quit the Congress, but will be doing it soon. I will contest from Yemkanmardi seat in the next assembly elections. When Ramesh Katti had rebelled against the BJP, Yeddyurappa immediately reached out to pacify him. No one from the Congress has reached out to me' said Ramesh while speaking in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

The statement comes days after BJP State Chief BS Yeddyurappa had expressed confidence that the coalition government will crumble after the Lok Sabha elections.

While there is no clear figure on how many rebel MLAs are with Ramesh Jarkiholi, sources within the BJP claim that the figure is enough to topple the HD Kumaraswamy government.

Satish Jarkiholi, Ramesh's brother, who replaced him in the state cabinet, has thrown an open challenge to the dissenting MLA.

'He has been threatening to quit for a year. We do not know why he is disgruntled. He might ask the BJP to give him a ticket and make him a minister. We are waiting for the speaker to take the decision on the disqualification of dissenting MLAs' said Satish Jarkiholi.&nbsp;

The Congress currently has 78 MLAs after the demise of CH Shivalli and resignation of Umesh Jadhav. Along with the JD(S) and one independent the coalition government has 116 MLAs in a 225 member house. If Ramesh Jarkiholi exits with 4 other MLAs as claimed, then the house strength comes down along with the number of the coalition government.

However, the Kumaraswamy government can still function as a minority government if it can get more votes in its favour than against.&nbsp;

BJP is also banking on the two by-elections to be held on May 19 in Chincholi and Kundgol. Also, if sitting MLAs Eshwar Khandre and Krishna Byre Gowda manage to win Lok Sabha elections, two more constituencies will go for by-polls&nbsp;in the state. If the saffron party manages to win all four seats, then along with the support of one independent it will have 109 MLAs on its side.

Another fear for the coalition government will be the outcomes of elections in Mandya and Tumkur, where HD Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil and HD Deve Gowda are contesting elections amidst rebellion within the Congress cadres.

If the Congress fails to transfer votes to the JD(S) in these crucial constituencies, the rift within the coalition will only get deeper.

'The results of the elections will clearly be an indication on whether this government will continue or not. There could be a threat to the state government if the BJP succeeds in Karnataka and at the national level. Big question marks will then rise on the state government. If the Congress-JD(S) do not do well in Karnataka, there are serious questions going to be raised. If they do well in the state, but BJP does well in the national level, they might survive but there will be constant hiccups.' says Sandeep Shastri, Political Analyst.&nbsp;

All eyes are now on Lok Sabha election results on May 23 that could not only decide the fate of the nation, but also the Karnataka state coalition government. If the situation arrives and the government fails to prove majority on the floor of the house, BS Yeddyurappa might prefer to go for fresh elections in the South Indian state.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trouble is brewing again for the coalition government in the South Indian state of Karnataka as another MLA has assured he will be resigning from the Congress party over differences.

Trouble is brewing again for the coalition government in the South Indian state of Karnataka as another MLA has assured he will be resigning from the Congress party over differences. Ramesh Jarkiholi, the MLA from Gokak constituency, and the leader who led the rebellion in January this year has said he will soon be quitting the Congress. Ramesh was also seen campaigning for the BJP in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. 'I have not quit the Congress, but will be doing it soon. I will contest from Yemkanmardi seat in the next assembly elections. When Ramesh Katti had rebelled against the BJP, Yeddyurappa immediately reached out to pacify him. No one from the Congress has reached out to me' said Ramesh while speaking in Bengaluru. The statement comes days after BJP State Chief BS Yeddyurappa had expressed confidence that the coalition government will crumble after the Lok Sabha elections. While there is no clear figure on how many rebel MLAs are with Ramesh Jarkiholi, sources within the BJP claim that the figure is enough to topple the HD Kumaraswamy government. Satish Jarkiholi, Ramesh's brother, who replaced him in the state cabinet, has thrown an open challenge to the dissenting MLA. 'He has been threatening to quit for a year. We do not know why he is disgruntled. He might ask the BJP to give him a ticket and make him a minister. We are waiting for the speaker to take the decision on the disqualification of dissenting MLAs' said Satish Jarkiholi. The Congress currently has 78 MLAs after the demise of CH Shivalli and resignation of Umesh Jadhav. Along with the JD(S) and one independent the coalition government has 116 MLAs in a 225 member house. If Ramesh Jarkiholi exits with 4 other MLAs as claimed, then the house strength comes down along with the number of the coalition government. However, the Kumaraswamy government can still function as a minority government if it can get more votes in its favour than against. BJP is also banking on the two by-elections to be held on May 19 in Chincholi and Kundgol. Also, if sitting MLAs Eshwar Khandre and Krishna Byre Gowda manage to win Lok Sabha elections, two more constituencies will go for by-polls in the state. If the saffron party manages to win all four seats, then along with the support of one independent it will have 109 MLAs on its side. Another fear for the coalition government will be the outcomes of elections in Mandya and Tumkur, where HD Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil and HD Deve Gowda are contesting elections amidst rebellion within the Congress cadres. If the Congress fails to transfer votes to the JD(S) in these crucial constituencies, the rift within the coalition will only get deeper. 'The results of the elections will clearly be an indication on whether this government will continue or not. There could be a threat to the state government if the BJP succeeds in Karnataka and at the national level. Big question marks will then rise on the state government. If the Congress-JD(S) do not do well in Karnataka, there are serious questions going to be raised. If they do well in the state, but BJP does well in the national level, they might survive but there will be constant hiccups.' says Sandeep Shastri, Political Analyst. All eyes are now on Lok Sabha election results on May 23 that could not only decide the fate of the nation, but also the Karnataka state coalition government. If the situation arrives and the government fails to prove majority on the floor of the house, BS Yeddyurappa might prefer to go for fresh elections in the South Indian state.

Lok Sabha results to decide fate of Karnataka's coalition

In Phase 3 of Lok Sabha Election 2019, Voting is underway on 14 out of 28 seats of Karnataka. BS Yeddyurappa talked WION and said he is confident of son's victory.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: BS Yeddyurappa confident of son's victory in Karnataka

Taking a jibe at former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, BJP leader and former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said that though Gowda`s party is contesting only on a few seats in the state, he is nursing ambitions of becoming the Prime Minister of the country, or at least an advisor to the PM.

Speaking exclusively to Smita Prakash of ANI, Yeddyurappa said, "Deve Gowda is fighting on 7 seats in Karnataka and has ambitions of becoming the Prime Minister or an advisor to the Prime Minister."

Gowda had said in a recent interview that unlike BJP veteran LK Advani, he is not going to retire from active politics and that if Congress president Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister of the country, he will be sitting by his side.

Of the 28 parliamentary constituencies in the state, Congress and JD(S) are contesting on 21 and 7 seats, respectively, as per a pre-poll arrangement.

Expressing his confidence of BJP gaining a big victory at the polls, Yeddyurappa said, "Despite all the divisive tactics by the Congress party, BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly elections by winning 104 seats. In this election too we are hundred per cent confident that we will not only win Shimoga Lok Sabha seat with a huge margin but also win more than 22 seats in the state."

Shimoga has become a high profile constituency in the state as sons of two chief ministers are battling it out. Yeddyurappa`s son B Y Raghavendra has been campaigning extensively and tells ANI that despite the state machinery being used against the BJP in his constituency, the people are with him.

His father is very popular in Shikaripura where they have a modest family home in a congested locality but Raghavendra feels that Modi`s popularity is his trump card.

The JD (S) nominee Madhu Bangarappa, son of former CM is banking on the Ediga community and his late father`s popularity. HD Kumaraswamy has made several emotional appeals to minorities and other communities to break the hold that Yeddyurappa has in central Karnataka.But the ageing Kannada stalwart Yeddyurappa is confident of adding Karnataka to Modi`s kitty, "We are going to win at least 300 seats in the entire country," he added.

On the prospects of JD(S)-Congress alliance getting `destabilized` in Karnataka if BJP wins the Lok Sabha elections, Yeddyurappa said, "After results, anything may happen," claiming that "over 20 Congress MLAs are not ready to help the Chief Minister, they are not happy with him".

He, however, denied that the allegedly estranged MLAs were in touch with him. "These MLAs have not spoken to me, they have spoken secretly," he said. He probably means that there is a whisper campaign.

Talking about the Veerashaiva-Lingayat issue, Yeddyurappa accused former Congress president Sonia Gandhi of hatching a conspiracy with the local Congress leadership to divide the Lingayat community in the state.

"Congress leader and Home Minister MB Patil had written to the then AICC chief Sonia Gandhi on Veerashaiva-Lingayat issue which exposes the conspiracy hatched by Congress to prevent BJP from coming to power in Karnataka. What is surprising is that Sonia Gandhi is involved in this conspiracy as the letter written by Patil starts with `as suggested by you`, that means she herself has guided state Congress leaders on the issue," he said.

"Being the head of a national party and claiming the legacy of Nehru family, she should not have stooped to such a level because we have high regards for Nehru and his family. Though it is not new for Congress people to involve in such conspiracies," he added.

On Kumaraswamy`s alleged claims that he knew about the `Pulwama terrorist attack` two years back, Yeddyurappa hit back questioning the CM`s silence for so long."If he knew about the attack two years back, he should have informed it to the police or to the President of India so that such a tragic incident and the death of our more than 40 soldiers could have been prevented," he said.

Yeddyurappa is dismissive of the Chief Minister`s statements on Pulwama and Balakot, telling ANI that HDK seems mentally unsound.

Refuting the allegations levelled on him by the Congress in the `Yeddyurappa diary` row wherein he was alleged to have paid Rs 1800 crore to some top BJP leaders, the former CM said that there was no truth in it.

"If there is even a small amount of truth in it, I will retire from politics. Officials and experts have checked my handwriting and signature and have come out openly saying that it was not my signature at all. It was not a diary but only 2-3 loose sheets," he said.

Continuing his tirade against the JD(S)-Congress government in the state, the senior BJP leader said that it has been a complete failure and that the CM has lost his "mental balance".

"We are seeking votes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s 5-year performance. The existing coalition government has miserably failed in Karnataka and the Chief Minister has lost his mental balance and is speaking irresponsibly," he said.

"In Mandya district, Sumalatha is giving a very good fight and she may win the election. The Chief Minister was there only for a week, thereafter he lost his mental balance and is speaking nonsense wherever he has gone after that," said Yeddyurappa.

The BJP has fielded candidates in all constituencies except in Mandya where it has extended support to independent candidate Sumalatha, wife of late actor-turned-politician Ambareesh. Sensing difficulties for his son Nikhil, who is the coalition candidate, Kumaraswamy had been campaigning in Mandya for the past few days.

When asked about his statements on Balakot, Yeddyurappa said that he has been misquoted by some media outlets. "I didn`t say that Balakot air strike will help us to win 22 seats, I was misquoted by the media. The credit will go to the military," he said.&nbsp;

Taking a jibe at former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, BJP leader and former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said that though Gowda`s party is contesting only on a few seats in the state, he is nursing ambitions of becoming the Prime Minister of the country, or at least an advisor to the PM.

Taking a jibe at former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, BJP leader and former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said that though Gowda`s party is contesting only on a few seats in the state, he is nursing ambitions of becoming the Prime Minister of the country, or at least an advisor to the PM. Speaking exclusively to Smita Prakash of ANI, Yeddyurappa said, "Deve Gowda is fighting on 7 seats in Karnataka and has ambitions of becoming the Prime Minister or an advisor to the Prime Minister." Gowda had said in a recent interview that unlike BJP veteran LK Advani, he is not going to retire from active politics and that if Congress president Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister of the country, he will be sitting by his side. Of the 28 parliamentary constituencies in the state, Congress and JD(S) are contesting on 21 and 7 seats, respectively, as per a pre-poll arrangement. Expressing his confidence of BJP gaining a big victory at the polls, Yeddyurappa said, "Despite all the divisive tactics by the Congress party, BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly elections by winning 104 seats. In this election too we are hundred per cent confident that we will not only win Shimoga Lok Sabha seat with a huge margin but also win more than 22 seats in the state." Shimoga has become a high profile constituency in the state as sons of two chief ministers are battling it out. Yeddyurappa`s son B Y Raghavendra has been campaigning extensively and tells ANI that despite the state machinery being used against the BJP in his constituency, the people are with him. His father is very popular in Shikaripura where they have a modest family home in a congested locality but Raghavendra feels that Modi`s popularity is his trump card. The JD (S) nominee Madhu Bangarappa, son of former CM is banking on the Ediga community and his late father`s popularity. HD Kumaraswamy has made several emotional appeals to minorities and other communities to break the hold that Yeddyurappa has in central Karnataka.But the ageing Kannada stalwart Yeddyurappa is confident of adding Karnataka to Modi`s kitty, "We are going to win at least 300 seats in the entire country," he added. On the prospects of JD(S)-Congress alliance getting `destabilized` in Karnataka if BJP wins the Lok Sabha elections, Yeddyurappa said, "After results, anything may happen," claiming that "over 20 Congress MLAs are not ready to help the Chief Minister, they are not happy with him". He, however, denied that the allegedly estranged MLAs were in touch with him. "These MLAs have not spoken to me, they have spoken secretly," he said. He probably means that there is a whisper campaign. Talking about the Veerashaiva-Lingayat issue, Yeddyurappa accused former Congress president Sonia Gandhi of hatching a conspiracy with the local Congress leadership to divide the Lingayat community in the state. "Congress leader and Home Minister MB Patil had written to the then AICC chief Sonia Gandhi on Veerashaiva-Lingayat issue which exposes the conspiracy hatched by Congress to prevent BJP from coming to power in Karnataka. What is surprising is that Sonia Gandhi is involved in this conspiracy as the letter written by Patil starts with `as suggested by you`, that means she herself has guided state Congress leaders on the issue," he said. "Being the head of a national party and claiming the legacy of Nehru family, she should not have stooped to such a level because we have high regards for Nehru and his family. Though it is not new for Congress people to involve in such conspiracies," he added. On Kumaraswamy`s alleged claims that he knew about the `Pulwama terrorist attack` two years back, Yeddyurappa hit back questioning the CM`s silence for so long."If he knew about the attack two years back, he should have informed it to the police or to the President of India so that such a tragic incident and the death of our more than 40 soldiers could have been prevented," he said. Yeddyurappa is dismissive of the Chief Minister`s statements on Pulwama and Balakot, telling ANI that HDK seems mentally unsound. Refuting the allegations levelled on him by the Congress in the `Yeddyurappa diary` row wherein he was alleged to have paid Rs 1800 crore to some top BJP leaders, the former CM said that there was no truth in it. "If there is even a small amount of truth in it, I will retire from politics. Officials and experts have checked my handwriting and signature and have come out openly saying that it was not my signature at all. It was not a diary but only 2-3 loose sheets," he said. Continuing his tirade against the JD(S)-Congress government in the state, the senior BJP leader said that it has been a complete failure and that the CM has lost his "mental balance". "We are seeking votes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s 5-year performance. The existing coalition government has miserably failed in Karnataka and the Chief Minister has lost his mental balance and is speaking irresponsibly," he said. "In Mandya district, Sumalatha is giving a very good fight and she may win the election. The Chief Minister was there only for a week, thereafter he lost his mental balance and is speaking nonsense wherever he has gone after that," said Yeddyurappa. The BJP has fielded candidates in all constituencies except in Mandya where it has extended support to independent candidate Sumalatha, wife of late actor-turned-politician Ambareesh. Sensing difficulties for his son Nikhil, who is the coalition candidate, Kumaraswamy had been campaigning in Mandya for the past few days. When asked about his statements on Balakot, Yeddyurappa said that he has been misquoted by some media outlets. "I didn`t say that Balakot air strike will help us to win 22 seats, I was misquoted by the media. The credit will go to the military," he said.

Gowda is fighting in 7 seats, yet dreaming of becoming PM: BS Yeddyurappa

In this segment , we brings to you latest updates related to Lok Sabha Election 2019. Watch full video to know more. #VotingRound2, #GeneralElection2019, #LokSabhaElection2019

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Akhilesh Yadav to file nomination from Azamgarh

Watch: Visuals from polling station in different places where people can be ssen casting their vote. Watch full video to know more.#LokSabhaElections2019, #IndiaVotes, #Election2019

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Voting in 95 constituencies in 2nd phase today

As Karnataka goes to polls some interesting battles are being witnessed in some of the 14 parliamentary constituencies.&nbsp;

Mandya

One constituency that has been making a lot of noise is Mandya which is witnessing a battle between two political greenhorns - Chief Minister's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy and late actor-turned-politician Ambareesh's wife Sumalatha.&nbsp;

While Nikhil is attempting to sail on the strength of his JD(S) cadres and MLAs from the region, Sumalatha, an actor herself, is using star power to gather crowds. Not to mention the disgruntled Congress workers who have vocally supported Sumalatha over Nikhil. A loss here will be a huge loss for Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy

Bangalore South

Bangalore South is seeing BJP's 28-yr-old Tejasvi Surya take on veteran Congress leader BK Hariprasad. The constituency was previously held by late Union Minister Ananth Kumar.&nbsp;

Bangalore North&nbsp;

Foreign-educated state minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-phase-polls-it-is-gowda-vs-gowda-in-bangalore-north-210690">Krishna Byre Gowda is using anti-incumbency to target Union Minister DV Sadananda Gowda</a> in Bangalore North.&nbsp;

While Byre Gowda is a sitting MLA from the area, Sadananda Gowda is seeking a second term. The contest is believed to be a close one between the two leaders.&nbsp;

Tumkur

Former Prime Minister and JD(S) patriarch HD Devegowda is probably facing his toughest elections yet in Tumkur as he takes on BJP's Basavaraj, a Lingayat.&nbsp;

While Deve Gowda is banking on caste equations, the leader moving to Tumkur only to let his grandson have Hassan has been a thorny issue. Gowda has also been accused of deliberately denying water from the Hemavati river to Tumkur while he was the Hassan MP.&nbsp;

Chikkaballapur

Chikkaballapur sees veteran Congress leader M Veerappa Moily take on Vokkaliga leader Bachche Gowda of the BJP. In 2014 the constituency had witnessed a three-cornered contest between Moily, Kumaraswamy and Bachce Gowda that saw the Vokkaliga votes split between the JD(S) and BJP, but that is not the case this time. Can Moily sail through after having a sliver of a margin of 10,000 votes in 2014?&nbsp;

As Karnataka goes to polls some interesting battles are being witnessed in some of the 14 parliamentary constituencies. Mandya One constituency that has been making a lot of noise is Mandya which is witnessing a battle between two political greenhorns - Chief Minister's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy and late actor-turned-politician Ambareesh's wife Sumalatha.

As Karnataka goes to polls some interesting battles are being witnessed in some of the 14 parliamentary constituencies. Mandya One constituency that has been making a lot of noise is Mandya which is witnessing a battle between two political greenhorns - Chief Minister's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy and late actor-turned-politician Ambareesh's wife Sumalatha. While Nikhil is attempting to sail on the strength of his JD(S) cadres and MLAs from the region, Sumalatha, an actor herself, is using star power to gather crowds. Not to mention the disgruntled Congress workers who have vocally supported Sumalatha over Nikhil. A loss here will be a huge loss for Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy Bangalore South Bangalore South is seeing BJP's 28-yr-old Tejasvi Surya take on veteran Congress leader BK Hariprasad. The constituency was previously held by late Union Minister Ananth Kumar. Bangalore North Foreign-educated state minister Krishna Byre Gowda is using anti-incumbency to target Union Minister DV Sadananda Gowda in Bangalore North. While Byre Gowda is a sitting MLA from the area, Sadananda Gowda is seeking a second term. The contest is believed to be a close one between the two leaders. Tumkur Former Prime Minister and JD(S) patriarch HD Devegowda is probably facing his toughest elections yet in Tumkur as he takes on BJP's Basavaraj, a Lingayat. While Deve Gowda is banking on caste equations, the leader moving to Tumkur only to let his grandson have Hassan has been a thorny issue. Gowda has also been accused of deliberately denying water from the Hemavati river to Tumkur while he was the Hassan MP. Chikkaballapur Chikkaballapur sees veteran Congress leader M Veerappa Moily take on Vokkaliga leader Bachche Gowda of the BJP. In 2014 the constituency had witnessed a three-cornered contest between Moily, Kumaraswamy and Bachce Gowda that saw the Vokkaliga votes split between the JD(S) and BJP, but that is not the case this time. Can Moily sail through after having a sliver of a margin of 10,000 votes in 2014?

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Karnataka to witness neck and neck contests

107-year-old Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka set&nbsp;examples for crores of Indians today as she walked out of the polling booth at the Bangalore Rural parliamentary constituency after casting her vote.&nbsp;

Thimmakka is one of the oldest citizens in the country today to have exercised her voting rights in the fight to elect the next leader of the world's largest democracy.&nbsp;

Fondly known as Aalada Marada, Thmimakka is an Indian environmentalist who hails from Karnataka and is known to have initiated a plantation drive wherein a whopping 385 banyan trees were planted along a four-kilometre highway stretch between Hulikal and Kudur.

Thimmakka is known to have taken to planting trees almost 60 decades ago when she nearly lost heart for not being able to bear a child.&nbsp;She, along with her husband, took to serving mother earth by planting trees.&nbsp;

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Karnataka: 107-year-old Padma awardee, Saalumarada Thimmakka casts her vote for the Bangalore Rural parliamentary constituency. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/e7dJJgI2bO">pic.twitter.com/e7dJJgI2bO</a>
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She has also planted nearly 8000 other trees. The Government of India honoured her selfless work with Padma Shri this year. A video of her blessing President Ram Nath Kovind while accepting her Padma award went viral earlier this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As many as 14 parliamentary constituencies, out of Karnataka's total 28 seats, have gone to polls today in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-karnataka-to-witness-neck-to-neck-contests-211263">second phase of the Lok Sabha polls</a>. These include Udupi, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mandya, Mysore, Chamrajanagar, Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South, Chikkaballapur and Kolar.&nbsp;

By 5pm, Karnataka recorded 58% voter turnout.&nbsp;

107-year-old Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka set examples for crores of Indians today as she walked out of the polling booth at the Bangalore Rural parliamentary constituency after casting her vote.

107-year-old Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka set examples for crores of Indians today as she walked out of the polling booth at the Bangalore Rural parliamentary constituency after casting her vote. Thimmakka is one of the oldest citizens in the country today to have exercised her voting rights in the fight to elect the next leader of the world's largest democracy. Fondly known as Aalada Marada, Thmimakka is an Indian environmentalist who hails from Karnataka and is known to have initiated a plantation drive wherein a whopping 385 banyan trees were planted along a four-kilometre highway stretch between Hulikal and Kudur. Thimmakka is known to have taken to planting trees almost 60 decades ago when she nearly lost heart for not being able to bear a child. She, along with her husband, took to serving mother earth by planting trees. Karnataka: 107-year-old Padma awardee, Saalumarada Thimmakka casts her vote for the Bangalore Rural parliamentary constituency. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/e7dJJgI2bO — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2019 × She has also planted nearly 8000 other trees. The Government of India honoured her selfless work with Padma Shri this year. A video of her blessing President Ram Nath Kovind while accepting her Padma award went viral earlier this year. As many as 14 parliamentary constituencies, out of Karnataka's total 28 seats, have gone to polls today in the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls. These include Udupi, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mandya, Mysore, Chamrajanagar, Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South, Chikkaballapur and Kolar. By 5pm, Karnataka recorded 58% voter turnout.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 107-year-old Padma Shri awardee sets example, casts vote from Bangalore Rural 

Faced with criticism for turning the JD(S) into a family enterprise, party supremo and former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/political-heavyweights-in-tamil-nadu-cast-votes-as-polling-begins-211392">Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda</a> said on Thursday that people and party workers wanted his grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna to contest from Mandya and Hassan Lok Sabha constituencies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-2-voting-on-april-18-211287">Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: Violence mars polling in West Bengal, CPM leader Mohammad Salim's car attacked</a>

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in Hassan, Gowda said his opponents accused him of indulging in family politics but his rise in politics was possible because of God and voters, whom his family served to the best of its ability.

"People describe this as family politics. We are the children of farmers. We believe in God. My father was an ordinary farmer. By the grace of God, we grew in stages in politics," the former prime minister said.

"It (growth) is not in anyone's hand. Voters have strengthened us. We, whether it is Revanna (PWD minister), myself or (chief minister) Kumaraswamy have served them to the best of our ability," he said.

Justifying the decision to field his grandsons from Mandya and Hassan,Gowda said people were adamant that the two be fielded, which they respected.

"In Mandya Nikhil Kumaraswamy is contesting. All the eight MLAs and three ministers of Mandya were adamant that Nikhil Kumaraswamy should contest from there. This is the truth," he added.

Regarding Prajwal, the JD(S) supremo said, "Prajwal Revanna is anengineering graduate. He is into social work for many years.People and the party workers have recognised his work."

Faced with criticism for turning the JD(S) into a family enterprise, party supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda said on Thursday that people and party workers wanted his grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna to contest from Mandya and Hassan Lok Sabha constituencies.

Faced with criticism for turning the JD(S) into a family enterprise, party supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda said on Thursday that people and party workers wanted his grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna to contest from Mandya and Hassan Lok Sabha constituencies. Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: Violence mars polling in West Bengal, CPM leader Mohammad Salim's car attacked Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in Hassan, Gowda said his opponents accused him of indulging in family politics but his rise in politics was possible because of God and voters, whom his family served to the best of its ability. "People describe this as family politics. We are the children of farmers. We believe in God. My father was an ordinary farmer. By the grace of God, we grew in stages in politics," the former prime minister said. "It (growth) is not in anyone's hand. Voters have strengthened us. We, whether it is Revanna (PWD minister), myself or (chief minister) Kumaraswamy have served them to the best of our ability," he said. Justifying the decision to field his grandsons from Mandya and Hassan,Gowda said people were adamant that the two be fielded, which they respected. "In Mandya Nikhil Kumaraswamy is contesting. All the eight MLAs and three ministers of Mandya were adamant that Nikhil Kumaraswamy should contest from there. This is the truth," he added. Regarding Prajwal, the JD(S) supremo said, "Prajwal Revanna is anengineering graduate. He is into social work for many years.People and the party workers have recognised his work."

We are children of farmers, says Deve Gowda after casting vote in Hassan

Former cricketer Rahul Dravid will not be able to cast his vote in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/elections">India's general election</a> as his name has been deleted from the voters' list because Dravid had not signed and submitted Form 6 on time.&nbsp;

The Form-6 application is filled for Inclusion of a name in the electoral roll for the first time voter or on shifting from one constituency to another.&nbsp;

Dravid moved out from his paternal home in Indira Nagar, which falls in Bangalore Central parliamentary constituency, but failed to submit the application for transfer of constituency before the deadline.&nbsp;

Dravid was Karnataka's election icon during the 2018 Assemble Election and his appeal was 'Cast your vote. Make democracy win'.&nbsp;

The officials said that his name could not be added as he had not signed and submitted Form 6 on time.&nbsp;

Bangalore Central, Bangalore North and Bangalore South vote on April 18.&nbsp;

Former cricketer Rahul Dravid will not be able to cast his vote in India's general election as his name has been deleted from the voters' list because Dravid had not signed and submitted Form 6 on time.

Former cricketer Rahul Dravid will not be able to cast his vote in India's general election as his name has been deleted from the voters' list because Dravid had not signed and submitted Form 6 on time. The Form-6 application is filled for Inclusion of a name in the electoral roll for the first time voter or on shifting from one constituency to another. Dravid moved out from his paternal home in Indira Nagar, which falls in Bangalore Central parliamentary constituency, but failed to submit the application for transfer of constituency before the deadline. Dravid was Karnataka's election icon during the 2018 Assemble Election and his appeal was 'Cast your vote. Make democracy win'. The officials said that his name could not be added as he had not signed and submitted Form 6 on time. Bangalore Central, Bangalore North and Bangalore South vote on April 18.

Lok Sabha polls: Cricketer Rahul Dravid won't be able to vote this general elections, here's why

Tearing into the Congress-JDS coalition in Karnataka over its alleged corruption and dynasty politics, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/choose-between-honest-chowkidar-and-corrupt-naamdar-pm-modi-209864">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Friday dubbed it a "20 per cent government", saying their only mission was "commission."

Intensifying his campaign blitz in Karnataka, Modi also asserted there was a wave across the country for the return of the BJP-led NDA government in the Lok Sabha polls, which was between "Rashtravad (nationalism) and Pariwarvad (dynasty)."

He lashed out at the Deve Gowda family, targeting the JDS supremo's son Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy over his reported remark that only those who cannot get two square meals a day seek jobs in the services, terming it an 'insult' to the armed forces.

He also hit out at Gowda's other son and minister H D Revanna, without naming him, for his remark that he would retire from politics if Modi was voted back to power.

The Prime Minister is addressing back to back rallies in Karnataka, where the BJP has targetted to win 22 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats, riding on what it perceives as a "Modi wave".

BJP is also hoping to cash in on mutual hostility between the ruling coalition partners at the grassroots level in several constituencies. 
The BJP won 17 seats in the 2014 polls.

The Prime Minister said the 2019 election is between Rashtrawad (nationalism) and parivarwad (dynasty). "The election was between nation first or family first," he said.

"In Karnataka Congress and JD(S) are signs of Parivarwad. Both parties that have lost touch with the people are that much connected to their families...Their only mission is commission," Modi said.

"When there was Congress government, there was Mr 10 per cent. 
Do you remember Mr 10 per cent? Now they have joined together 10 per cent is theirs and the other 10 per cent of others. Now Karnataka is going on with 20 per cent," he said.

In his campaign during the May 2018 assembly polls, Modi had attacked the then Siddaramaiah dispensation as a "10 per cent commission government.

The Prime Minister said he had seen media reports yesterday of Kumaraswamy saying that those who don't get food two times a day join the Army.

"What kind of thinking is thisKumaraswamy ji? You cannot escape by saying that your statement has been wrongly interpreted. You have said what is in your heart," Modi said.

"...Is it not an insult to our brave soldiers and armed forces...Will you seek vote on this? Those who serve the country and ready to sacrifice for it facing all odds...Such words for them, such thinking.

Doob maro doob maro (die drowning), those who insult the country's army," he said.

Modi said such people could not understand the "tapasya" of the Army as they were born with a silver spoon. Those who have remained in power for three generations could never understand the poor and their dignity, Modi said.

"This is the thinking with Congress and JD(S) and their mahamilavati (adulterated) dal....(they) don't give importance to the country's security," the Prime Minister said.

Accusing Congress and JD(S) of being against "Rashtrawadis" and those protecting the country, Modi said they don't feel ashamed in standing with those shouting slogans 'Bharat tere tukde honge' and dream about it.

The Prime Minister said such people stand with those supporting the secession of Jammu Kashmir from the country.

"They have money for Sultan's utsav, but have shortage of money to remember Hampis pride," Modi, said referring to the state government's controversial celebrations of "Tipu Jayanti" on November 10 every year in memory of Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom.

On Revanna's remarks that he would retire from politics if Modi came back to power, the prime minister said "Do you believe them? Will these people speak the truth any time?"&nbsp;

He reminded the crowd that in the 2014 elections, Deve Gowda had himself said that if Modi won and became the prime minister, he would take "sanyas".

"Did he take sanyas? Did father (Deve Gowda) take sanyas? Will son take sanyas? Leave sanyas, they are giving tickets to those remaining in the family."

On the response to his rallies across the country and the surging crows at the meeting here, Modi said, "This scene shows which way the wind is blowing."

"Wherever I have had the opportunity to go across the country, phir ek baar..." Modi said, to which the public roared in unison "Modi sarkar".

"This is the voice of the people across the country. There is a wave that is going on. Your love is spoiling the sleep of those sitting in Delhi," he told the surging crowds.

Modi stopped his speech four or five times as the crowds continued to swell and surged forward chanting "Modi, Modi."

Referring to the first phase of voting on Thursday, the Prime Minister said the opposition would not be able to sustain and there was a complete wave of BJP and its allies.

"There is chaos (afra tafri) in West Bengal, they are indulging in killing...But people phir ek baar."

Accusing Congress of having looted the money over which children and pregnant women had their rights, to "buy votes," he said, "they committed another corruption for this Lok Sabha polls, called the Tuglaq Raod Election scam."

Pointing out there is a Tuglaq Road in Delhi, where there are prominent leaders' residences, Modi said,..." in Madhya Pradesh, where Congress formed the government a few months ago, several crores of Rupees was sent to Delhi for election. This money was meant for malnourished children..." he said.

"Till now we were hearing about Congress' involvement in defence deal, land deal, submarine deal, helicopter deal.

Now they are looting the plates of innocent kids. Congress is hungry after remaining out of power for five years...Congress' sin cannot be cleared.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's residence as an MP is at 1, Tughlaq Road, in New Delhi while Congress president Rahul Gandhi's official residence as an MP is 12, Tughlak Lane in the national capital.

Tearing into the Congress-JDS coalition in Karnataka over its alleged corruption and dynasty politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday dubbed it a "20 per cent government", saying their only mission was "commission.

Tearing into the Congress-JDS coalition in Karnataka over its alleged corruption and dynasty politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday dubbed it a "20 per cent government", saying their only mission was "commission." Intensifying his campaign blitz in Karnataka, Modi also asserted there was a wave across the country for the return of the BJP-led NDA government in the Lok Sabha polls, which was between "Rashtravad (nationalism) and Pariwarvad (dynasty)." He lashed out at the Deve Gowda family, targeting the JDS supremo's son Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy over his reported remark that only those who cannot get two square meals a day seek jobs in the services, terming it an 'insult' to the armed forces. He also hit out at Gowda's other son and minister H D Revanna, without naming him, for his remark that he would retire from politics if Modi was voted back to power. The Prime Minister is addressing back to back rallies in Karnataka, where the BJP has targetted to win 22 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats, riding on what it perceives as a "Modi wave". BJP is also hoping to cash in on mutual hostility between the ruling coalition partners at the grassroots level in several constituencies. The BJP won 17 seats in the 2014 polls. The Prime Minister said the 2019 election is between Rashtrawad (nationalism) and parivarwad (dynasty). "The election was between nation first or family first," he said. "In Karnataka Congress and JD(S) are signs of Parivarwad. Both parties that have lost touch with the people are that much connected to their families...Their only mission is commission," Modi said. "When there was Congress government, there was Mr 10 per cent. Do you remember Mr 10 per cent? Now they have joined together 10 per cent is theirs and the other 10 per cent of others. Now Karnataka is going on with 20 per cent," he said. In his campaign during the May 2018 assembly polls, Modi had attacked the then Siddaramaiah dispensation as a "10 per cent commission government. The Prime Minister said he had seen media reports yesterday of Kumaraswamy saying that those who don't get food two times a day join the Army. "What kind of thinking is thisKumaraswamy ji? You cannot escape by saying that your statement has been wrongly interpreted. You have said what is in your heart," Modi said. "...Is it not an insult to our brave soldiers and armed forces...Will you seek vote on this? Those who serve the country and ready to sacrifice for it facing all odds...Such words for them, such thinking. Doob maro doob maro (die drowning), those who insult the country's army," he said. Modi said such people could not understand the "tapasya" of the Army as they were born with a silver spoon. Those who have remained in power for three generations could never understand the poor and their dignity, Modi said. "This is the thinking with Congress and JD(S) and their mahamilavati (adulterated) dal....(they) don't give importance to the country's security," the Prime Minister said. Accusing Congress and JD(S) of being against "Rashtrawadis" and those protecting the country, Modi said they don't feel ashamed in standing with those shouting slogans 'Bharat tere tukde honge' and dream about it. The Prime Minister said such people stand with those supporting the secession of Jammu Kashmir from the country. "They have money for Sultan's utsav, but have shortage of money to remember Hampis pride," Modi, said referring to the state government's controversial celebrations of "Tipu Jayanti" on November 10 every year in memory of Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom. On Revanna's remarks that he would retire from politics if Modi came back to power, the prime minister said "Do you believe them? Will these people speak the truth any time?" He reminded the crowd that in the 2014 elections, Deve Gowda had himself said that if Modi won and became the prime minister, he would take "sanyas". "Did he take sanyas? Did father (Deve Gowda) take sanyas? Will son take sanyas? Leave sanyas, they are giving tickets to those remaining in the family." On the response to his rallies across the country and the surging crows at the meeting here, Modi said, "This scene shows which way the wind is blowing." "Wherever I have had the opportunity to go across the country, phir ek baar..." Modi said, to which the public roared in unison "Modi sarkar". "This is the voice of the people across the country. There is a wave that is going on. Your love is spoiling the sleep of those sitting in Delhi," he told the surging crowds. Modi stopped his speech four or five times as the crowds continued to swell and surged forward chanting "Modi, Modi." Referring to the first phase of voting on Thursday, the Prime Minister said the opposition would not be able to sustain and there was a complete wave of BJP and its allies. "There is chaos (afra tafri) in West Bengal, they are indulging in killing...But people phir ek baar." Accusing Congress of having looted the money over which children and pregnant women had their rights, to "buy votes," he said, "they committed another corruption for this Lok Sabha polls, called the Tuglaq Raod Election scam." Pointing out there is a Tuglaq Road in Delhi, where there are prominent leaders' residences, Modi said,..." in Madhya Pradesh, where Congress formed the government a few months ago, several crores of Rupees was sent to Delhi for election. This money was meant for malnourished children..." he said. "Till now we were hearing about Congress' involvement in defence deal, land deal, submarine deal, helicopter deal. Now they are looting the plates of innocent kids. Congress is hungry after remaining out of power for five years...Congress' sin cannot be cleared. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's residence as an MP is at 1, Tughlaq Road, in New Delhi while Congress president Rahul Gandhi's official residence as an MP is 12, Tughlak Lane in the national capital.

Congress-JDS coalition is a '20% commission government': PM Modi

In an exclusive interview to WION, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy stressed the importance of the regional parties in Lok Sabha elections and claimed that these parties will play an important role in the formation of the next government at the Centre.

Narendra Modi is not going to come back to power: HD Kumaraswamy to WION

PM Modi said in Gujarat rally that after Karnataka, MP has become an ATM for Congress.

India Election Watch: MP has become an ATM for Congress, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi did not contest Lok Sabha polls from Karnataka fearing revenge by coalition partner JDS' supremo H D Deve Gowda for being 'backstabbed' by Sonia Gandhi when he was removed as prime minister.

Addressing a rally in Mysore, he said the only vision and agenda of the Congress was "Modi Hatao" (remove Modi), which was also shared by the partners of "Mahamilavat", a derisive reference to the "grand alliance" of opposition parties.

Modi said Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has become a "punching bag" for the Congress.

He said though the Congress was sharing power with JDS in the state, Gandhi preferred Kerala for his second seat besides the traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh rather than Karnataka.

Modi claimed this was because the Congress feared that Gowda might take revenge over former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi "backstabbing" him when he was removed as prime minister heading the United Front government in 1996.

He also said one could imagine the plight of the Congress today when its president's existing seat itself was in danger, referring to Rahul Gandhi contesting from the second seat of Wayanad in Kerala.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi did not contest Lok Sabha polls from Karnataka fearing revenge by coalition partner JDS' supremo H D Deve Gowda for being 'backstabbed' by Sonia Gandhi when he was removed as prime minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi did not contest Lok Sabha polls from Karnataka fearing revenge by coalition partner JDS' supremo H D Deve Gowda for being 'backstabbed' by Sonia Gandhi when he was removed as prime minister. Addressing a rally in Mysore, he said the only vision and agenda of the Congress was "Modi Hatao" (remove Modi), which was also shared by the partners of "Mahamilavat", a derisive reference to the "grand alliance" of opposition parties. Modi said Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has become a "punching bag" for the Congress. He said though the Congress was sharing power with JDS in the state, Gandhi preferred Kerala for his second seat besides the traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh rather than Karnataka. Modi claimed this was because the Congress feared that Gowda might take revenge over former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi "backstabbing" him when he was removed as prime minister heading the United Front government in 1996. He also said one could imagine the plight of the Congress today when its president's existing seat itself was in danger, referring to Rahul Gandhi contesting from the second seat of Wayanad in Kerala.

Rahul didn't contest from Karnataka fearing 'revenge' from Gowda: PM Modi

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday claimed that the secret behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi's glow on the face is due to the makeup he applies every morning, before appearing in front of the cameras.

"Modi wakes up every morning, applies makeup or wax to get a shine on his face and sits in front of cameras," Kumaraswamy told reporters on April 7 after addressing a rally in Karnataka.

The Chief Minister further said, "But we take bath once in the morning and wash our face only the next day. Our faces do not look good on cameras. That is why even media shows only Modi."

The Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) formed an alliance and came to power in Karnataka last year after the assembly elections threw a hung verdict.

Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka will be held in two phases, April 18 and 23 for 28 parliamentary seats.

The counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday claimed that the secret behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi's glow on the face is due to the makeup he applies every morning, before appearing in front of the cameras.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday claimed that the secret behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi's glow on the face is due to the makeup he applies every morning, before appearing in front of the cameras. "Modi wakes up every morning, applies makeup or wax to get a shine on his face and sits in front of cameras," Kumaraswamy told reporters on April 7 after addressing a rally in Karnataka. The Chief Minister further said, "But we take bath once in the morning and wash our face only the next day. Our faces do not look good on cameras. That is why even media shows only Modi." The Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) formed an alliance and came to power in Karnataka last year after the assembly elections threw a hung verdict. Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka will be held in two phases, April 18 and 23 for 28 parliamentary seats. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Modi 'applies make-up' everyday to get shine on face: HD Kumaraswamy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing a rally at Latur in Maharashtra. From Maharashtra the Prime Minister will move to Karnataka where he will address two rallies in Chitradurga and Mysuru. Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a public meeting at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu in the evening.

PM Modi will address rallies in three states today

The death toll in Karnataka's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dharwad-building-collapse-man-rescued-after-62-hours-death-toll-reaches-15-204806">Dharwad building collapse</a> has risen to 16. Meanwhile, the Karnataka government on Saturday suspended seven corporation officials for negligence in connection to the building collapse that took place in Dharwad's Kumareshwar Nagar on March 19.&nbsp;

The officers suspended by the state government include -- City Planning Officer Mukund Joshi, Assistant Director City Planning Ashok Gadag, Revenue Officer Prakash Dodamani, Executive Engineer V Shridhar, Assistant Executive Engineer Chandrappa, City Planning Assistant B V Hiremath, and Assistant Commissioner Santosh Anishetter, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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Dharwad building collapse: Visuals of the rescue operations underway; Death toll has risen to 16; An under-construction building had collapsed in Kumareshwar Nagar on March 19. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/7fZnnNGLtu">pic.twitter.com/7fZnnNGLtu</a>
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The four partners of Renuka Construction, the entity looking after the construction project, surrendered before the police earlier this week.&nbsp;

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had visited the site on Thursday and told the media that several people were suspected to be trapped under the rubble. He had also said the district administration has already announced a magisterial inquiry and the government is ready to appoint a retired High Court judge if required.

On Wednesday, the Indian Air Force airlifted two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Karnataka's Hubli from Hindon in Uttar Pradesh to join the rescue and search operation.&nbsp;

The rescue operation is being conducted jointly by the NDRF and the State Disaster Response Force.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The death toll in Karnataka's Dharwad building collapse has risen to 16. Meanwhile, the Karnataka government on Saturday suspended seven corporation officials for negligence in connection to the building collapse that took place in Dharwad's Kumareshwar Nagar on March 19.

The death toll in Karnataka's Dharwad building collapse has risen to 16. Meanwhile, the Karnataka government on Saturday suspended seven corporation officials for negligence in connection to the building collapse that took place in Dharwad's Kumareshwar Nagar on March 19. The officers suspended by the state government include -- City Planning Officer Mukund Joshi, Assistant Director City Planning Ashok Gadag, Revenue Officer Prakash Dodamani, Executive Engineer V Shridhar, Assistant Executive Engineer Chandrappa, City Planning Assistant B V Hiremath, and Assistant Commissioner Santosh Anishetter, news agency ANI reported. Dharwad building collapse: Visuals of the rescue operations underway; Death toll has risen to 16; An under-construction building had collapsed in Kumareshwar Nagar on March 19. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/7fZnnNGLtu — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × The four partners of Renuka Construction, the entity looking after the construction project, surrendered before the police earlier this week. Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had visited the site on Thursday and told the media that several people were suspected to be trapped under the rubble. He had also said the district administration has already announced a magisterial inquiry and the government is ready to appoint a retired High Court judge if required. On Wednesday, the Indian Air Force airlifted two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Karnataka's Hubli from Hindon in Uttar Pradesh to join the rescue and search operation. The rescue operation is being conducted jointly by the NDRF and the State Disaster Response Force. (With inputs from ANI)

Dharwad building collapse: Death toll rises to 16, Karnataka government suspends 7 corporation officials for negligence 

After Congress levelled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tax-dept-says-loose-sheets-containing-alleged-pay-offs-by-yeddyurappa-doubtful-204926">corruption allegations</a> against former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, his son BY Raghavendra came down heavily on the party on Saturday and demanded an investigation into the matter.

"This has become the joke of the year," Raghavendra told ANI while accusing the Congress of unnecessarily creating a controversy.

"My father does not have a habit of writing in a dairy," he added.

He further alleged that the creator of the controversy lacks common sense as his father would never sign the pages of his own diary and demanded that a fair inquiry must be conducted into the issue.

On March 22, citing a news magazine report, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala in a press conference alleged that BS Yeddyurappa`s diary had a mention about the payments allegedly made to the BJP`s Central Committee which included Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, besides the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

After Congress levelled corruption allegations against former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, his son BY Raghavendra came down heavily on the party on Saturday and demanded an investigation into the matter.

After Congress levelled corruption allegations against former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, his son BY Raghavendra came down heavily on the party on Saturday and demanded an investigation into the matter. "This has become the joke of the year," Raghavendra told ANI while accusing the Congress of unnecessarily creating a controversy. "My father does not have a habit of writing in a dairy," he added. He further alleged that the creator of the controversy lacks common sense as his father would never sign the pages of his own diary and demanded that a fair inquiry must be conducted into the issue. On March 22, citing a news magazine report, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala in a press conference alleged that BS Yeddyurappa`s diary had a mention about the payments allegedly made to the BJP`s Central Committee which included Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, besides the Prime Minister.

Yeddyurappa's son demands inquiry into 'diary' controversy

The rescue team deployed at the site of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dharwad-building-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-14-rescue-operation-continues-204775">building collapse in Karnataka's Dharwad</a> managed to pull out a person named Somu from under the debris. According to reports, Somu was stuck in rubble for nearly 62 hours.

He was trapped in the basement of the collapsed multi-storied building and has sustained minimal injuries.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the death toll has reached 15 even as NDRF and SDRF teams, along with fire and emergency service personnel, are continuing rescue efforts.

An FIR has been registered against building owners, Ravi Basavaraj Sabarad, Basavaraj D Nigadi, Gangappa S Shintri, Mahabaleshwar Puradagudi and engineer Vivek Pawar, news agency ANI reported. All 4 owners have surrendered before the police; the engineer has been taken into police custody.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Karnataka chief minister has announced that the district administration has already announced a magistrate inquiry into the mishap, adding that the "government is ready to appoint a retired High Court judge if required. It's suspected that more than 10 workers are still trapped under debris".&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy said he cannot announce any compensation since the model code of conduct for Lok Sabha polls was in place but he has entrusted the chief secretary to announce adequate compensation to the next to the kin of the deceased and injured.&nbsp;

The Chief Minister said that the rescue efforts will be conducted on a war footing and urged locals not to panic.

An under-construction building collapsed on March 19 in Karnataka's Dharwad.&nbsp;

The rescue team deployed at the site of a building collapse in Karnataka's Dharwad managed to pull out a person named Somu from under the debris. According to reports, Somu was stuck in rubble for nearly 62 hours.

The rescue team deployed at the site of a building collapse in Karnataka's Dharwad managed to pull out a person named Somu from under the debris. According to reports, Somu was stuck in rubble for nearly 62 hours. He was trapped in the basement of the collapsed multi-storied building and has sustained minimal injuries. Meanwhile, the death toll has reached 15 even as NDRF and SDRF teams, along with fire and emergency service personnel, are continuing rescue efforts. An FIR has been registered against building owners, Ravi Basavaraj Sabarad, Basavaraj D Nigadi, Gangappa S Shintri, Mahabaleshwar Puradagudi and engineer Vivek Pawar, news agency ANI reported. All 4 owners have surrendered before the police; the engineer has been taken into police custody. Meanwhile, Karnataka chief minister has announced that the district administration has already announced a magistrate inquiry into the mishap, adding that the "government is ready to appoint a retired High Court judge if required. It's suspected that more than 10 workers are still trapped under debris". Kumaraswamy said he cannot announce any compensation since the model code of conduct for Lok Sabha polls was in place but he has entrusted the chief secretary to announce adequate compensation to the next to the kin of the deceased and injured. The Chief Minister said that the rescue efforts will be conducted on a war footing and urged locals not to panic. An under-construction building collapsed on March 19 in Karnataka's Dharwad.

Dharwad building collapse: Man rescued after 62 hours, death toll reaches 15

The death toll in the Dharwad building collapse in Karnataka rose to fourteen on Friday. Assistant Commissioner, Dharwad sub-division told reporters that as many as 56 people have been rescued while 12 are still missing.&nbsp;

"More than 400 staff comprising NDRF, SDRF, Police and Revenue Department are involved in the rescue operation," he noted.&nbsp;

"A total of 14 people have died. Yesterday, we rescued two people. Three more people are trapped in the debris. We have given oxygen and ORS to them. SDRF and NDRF teams are conducting a rescue operation," Deepa Cholan, Deputy Commissioner said on Friday.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DharwadBuildingCollapse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DharwadBuildingCollapse</a>: Death toll rises to 14, rescue operations continue. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/0OlCePWMXC">pic.twitter.com/0OlCePWMXC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1108916042464665600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Police also arrested the building's design engineer Vivek Pawar while four other accused are at large including the relative of former Karnataka minister Vinay Kulkarni, police sources said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/magisterial-probe-ordered-in-karnataka-building-collapse-as-toll-touches-12-204711">On the third day of the rescue operation</a>, bodies of five people, including that of eight-year-old Divya Unakal, Dakshayini (45) and Sangamesh (42), were retrieved from the rubble, police said.

Meanwhile, Karnataka chief minister has announced that the district administration has already announced a magistrate inquiry into the mishap, adding that the "government is ready to appoint a retired High Court judge if required. It's suspected that more than 10 workers are still trapped under debris".&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy said he cannot announce any compensation since the model code of conduct for Lok Sabha polls was in place but he has entrusted the chief secretary to announce adequate compensation to the next to the kin of the deceased and injured.&nbsp;

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Karnataka: Rescue operation is still underway at the site of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DharwadBuildingCollapse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DharwadBuildingCollapse</a>. Asst Commissioner (Dharwad sub-division) says, "56 people rescued, 12 missing, 13 dead. More than 400 staff comprising NDRF, SDRF, Police &amp; Revenue Dept are involved in the rescue operation." <a href="https://t.co/TdNhXJxXc6">pic.twitter.com/TdNhXJxXc6</a>
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The Chief Minister said that the rescue efforts will be conducted on a war footing and urged locals not to panic.

An under-construction building collapsed in Karnataka's Dharwad on Tuesday evening. The collapse took place in Kumareshwar Nagar.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll in the Dharwad building collapse in Karnataka rose to fourteen on Friday. Assistant Commissioner, Dharwad sub-division told reporters that as many as 56 people have been rescued while 12 are still missing.

The death toll in the Dharwad building collapse in Karnataka rose to fourteen on Friday. Assistant Commissioner, Dharwad sub-division told reporters that as many as 56 people have been rescued while 12 are still missing. "More than 400 staff comprising NDRF, SDRF, Police and Revenue Department are involved in the rescue operation," he noted. "A total of 14 people have died. Yesterday, we rescued two people. Three more people are trapped in the debris. We have given oxygen and ORS to them. SDRF and NDRF teams are conducting a rescue operation," Deepa Cholan, Deputy Commissioner said on Friday. #DharwadBuildingCollapse: Death toll rises to 14, rescue operations continue. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/0OlCePWMXC — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2019 × Police also arrested the building's design engineer Vivek Pawar while four other accused are at large including the relative of former Karnataka minister Vinay Kulkarni, police sources said. On the third day of the rescue operation, bodies of five people, including that of eight-year-old Divya Unakal, Dakshayini (45) and Sangamesh (42), were retrieved from the rubble, police said. Meanwhile, Karnataka chief minister has announced that the district administration has already announced a magistrate inquiry into the mishap, adding that the "government is ready to appoint a retired High Court judge if required. It's suspected that more than 10 workers are still trapped under debris". Kumaraswamy said he cannot announce any compensation since the model code of conduct for Lok Sabha polls was in place but he has entrusted the chief secretary to announce adequate compensation to the next to the kin of the deceased and injured. Karnataka: Rescue operation is still underway at the site of #DharwadBuildingCollapse. Asst Commissioner (Dharwad sub-division) says, "56 people rescued, 12 missing, 13 dead. More than 400 staff comprising NDRF, SDRF, Police & Revenue Dept are involved in the rescue operation." pic.twitter.com/TdNhXJxXc6 — ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2019 × The Chief Minister said that the rescue efforts will be conducted on a war footing and urged locals not to panic. An under-construction building collapsed in Karnataka's Dharwad on Tuesday evening. The collapse took place in Kumareshwar Nagar. (With inputs from agencies)

Dharwad building collapse: Death toll rises to 14, rescue operation continues

The death toll in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-dead-several-injured-after-under-construction-building-collapses-in-karnataka-204418">building collapse at Dharwad in north Karnataka</a> mounted to seven Wednesday as rescuers pulled out four more bodies from the debris and one person succumbed to injuries at hospital, police said.

Rescuers had pulled out 55 people from the rubble of the four-storeyed under construction building, which collapsed Tuesday evening at Kumareshwaranagar in the heart of Dharwad, about 400 km from Bengaluru.

"Seven people have lost their lives," Director General of Police (chief of fire and emergency services) M N Reddi told PTI.

Earlier, Hubballi-Dharwad commissioner of police M N Nagaraj said 55 people had been rescued.

He expressed apprehension that about 15 to 20 people were trapped inside the rubble.

No arrests have been made, Nagaraj said.

"We have registered a case. Arrests will also follow but our focus at present is on the rescue operations," he added.

Police said rescue operations had been intensified to extricate people believed to be still trapped beneath the debris.

In addition to 10 ambulances and five fire tenders deployed for relief and rescue operations, three teams of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) have been engaged, two from Ghaziabad and one from Bengaluru.

"Two more teams of #NDRF are being airlifted from Ghaziabad in addition to one team which was moved from Bangalore in connection with Dharwad building collapse," the NDRF tweeted earlier in the day.

About 150 police, fire and emergency personnel too have joined the rescue operations.

Former Karnataka minister and Congress leader from the region Vinay Kulkarni had said Tuesday that one of the partners in the building was his relative and that whoever was involved should face action.

An eye-witness had alleged that the building did not have the capacity to bear four storeys whereas an extra floor was being added.

"The builders had used substandard materials," he told reporters Tuesday.

Most of those trapped were migrant labourers from north India who were engaged in laying tiles.&nbsp;

The death toll in the building collapse at Dharwad in north Karnataka mounted to seven Wednesday as rescuers pulled out four more bodies from the debris and one person succumbed to injuries at hospital, police said.

The death toll in the building collapse at Dharwad in north Karnataka mounted to seven Wednesday as rescuers pulled out four more bodies from the debris and one person succumbed to injuries at hospital, police said. Rescuers had pulled out 55 people from the rubble of the four-storeyed under construction building, which collapsed Tuesday evening at Kumareshwaranagar in the heart of Dharwad, about 400 km from Bengaluru. "Seven people have lost their lives," Director General of Police (chief of fire and emergency services) M N Reddi told PTI. Earlier, Hubballi-Dharwad commissioner of police M N Nagaraj said 55 people had been rescued. He expressed apprehension that about 15 to 20 people were trapped inside the rubble. No arrests have been made, Nagaraj said. "We have registered a case. Arrests will also follow but our focus at present is on the rescue operations," he added. Police said rescue operations had been intensified to extricate people believed to be still trapped beneath the debris. In addition to 10 ambulances and five fire tenders deployed for relief and rescue operations, three teams of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) have been engaged, two from Ghaziabad and one from Bengaluru. "Two more teams of #NDRF are being airlifted from Ghaziabad in addition to one team which was moved from Bangalore in connection with Dharwad building collapse," the NDRF tweeted earlier in the day. About 150 police, fire and emergency personnel too have joined the rescue operations. Former Karnataka minister and Congress leader from the region Vinay Kulkarni had said Tuesday that one of the partners in the building was his relative and that whoever was involved should face action. An eye-witness had alleged that the building did not have the capacity to bear four storeys whereas an extra floor was being added. "The builders had used substandard materials," he told reporters Tuesday. Most of those trapped were migrant labourers from north India who were engaged in laying tiles.

Karnataka: Death toll mounts to 7 in Dharwad building collapse

Over 35,000 wheelchairs, 52,000 magnifying glasses, and 2213 sign language interpreters have been arranged in Karnataka for voters belonging to the persons with disabilities (PwD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"Till February 28, we mapped 4,03,907 persons with disabilities (in the state) and are arranging whatever they require for assistance. We have arranged 35,739 wheelchairs, over 52,000 magnifying glasses, over 2213 sign language interpreters and over 31000 assistants," the state`s Chief Electoral Officer, Sanjiv Kumar, told ANI on Wednesday.

Besides this, Kumar said there will be a special queue for PwD voters.

"Sturdy ramps are being arranged in all 58,180 booths (in the state) and we are ensuring that they are all on ground floors. There will be a special queue for persons with disabilities and assistance of all kind will be provided," he added.

Karnataka will vote to elect its members of Parliament during the second and third phases of polling on April 18 and April 23, respectively.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Over 35,000 wheelchairs, 52,000 magnifying glasses, and 2213 sign language interpreters have been arranged in Karnataka for voters belonging to the persons with disabilities (PwD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Over 35,000 wheelchairs, 52,000 magnifying glasses, and 2213 sign language interpreters have been arranged in Karnataka for voters belonging to the persons with disabilities (PwD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "Till February 28, we mapped 4,03,907 persons with disabilities (in the state) and are arranging whatever they require for assistance. We have arranged 35,739 wheelchairs, over 52,000 magnifying glasses, over 2213 sign language interpreters and over 31000 assistants," the state`s Chief Electoral Officer, Sanjiv Kumar, told ANI on Wednesday. Besides this, Kumar said there will be a special queue for PwD voters. "Sturdy ramps are being arranged in all 58,180 booths (in the state) and we are ensuring that they are all on ground floors. There will be a special queue for persons with disabilities and assistance of all kind will be provided," he added. Karnataka will vote to elect its members of Parliament during the second and third phases of polling on April 18 and April 23, respectively. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Over 35,000 wheelchairs, 52,000 magnifying glasses arranged for specially-abled voters

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-begins-to-bury-its-dead-after-mosque-massacre-204416">New Zealand begins to bury its dead after mosque massacre</a>

Hundreds of mourners gathered in a Christchurch cemetery on Wednesday for the first funerals of those killed in the twin mosque massacre as New Zealanders braced for days of emotional farewells following the mass slayings.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-dead-several-injured-after-under-construction-building-collapses-in-karnataka-204418">3 dead, many injured after under-construction building collapses in Karnataka's Dharwad</a>

At least three people were killed and several injured after an under-construction building collapsed in Karnataka's Dharwad's.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-compliments-trump-who-replies-brazil-could-join-nato-204420">Bolsonaro compliments Trump who replies Brazil could join NATO</a>

President Donald Trump heaped praise Tuesday on right-wing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro — and received plenty back — in announcing a special relationship that he said could even see the Latin American country join NATO.

At a joint news conference on the sun-soaked Rose Garden lawn, Trump and the man dubbed "Trump of the Tropics" let the mutual compliments flow.

"I have always admired the United States of America. And this sense of admiration has just increased after you took office and the presidency," Bolsonaro said.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goas-new-cm-pramod-sawant-to-face-floor-test-today-204426">New Goa CM Pramod Sawant to face floor test today</a>

A day after Bhartiya Janata Party's Pramod Sawant took charge as the new chief minister of Goa following the demise of Manohar Parrikar, the new CM is all set to prove the majority of his government in the floor test scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/anurag-kashyap-rajkummar-rao-tweet-in-support-of-savi-siddhu-the-actor-who-has-turned-watchman-204422">Anurag Kashyap, Rajkummar Rao tweet in support of Savi Siddhu, the actor who now works as a security guard</a>

The Internet was abuzz Tuesday with the news of actor Savi Siddhu who is now working as a security guard at a residential complex in Mumbai.&nbsp;

Siddhu has featured in several prominent films like Akshay Kumar starrer 'Patiala House', Anurag Kashyap's 'Black Friday', 'Gulal' and 'Paanch' among others in the past.&nbsp;

But owing to bad health, an acute financial crisis and a lack of roles, Siddhu now works as a security guard in Mumbai.&nbsp;

New Zealand begins to bury its dead after mosque massacre Hundreds of mourners gathered in a Christchurch cemetery on Wednesday for the first funerals of those killed in the twin mosque massacre as New Zealanders braced for days of emotional farewells following the mass slayings.

New Zealand begins to bury its dead after mosque massacre Hundreds of mourners gathered in a Christchurch cemetery on Wednesday for the first funerals of those killed in the twin mosque massacre as New Zealanders braced for days of emotional farewells following the mass slayings. 3 dead, many injured after under-construction building collapses in Karnataka's Dharwad At least three people were killed and several injured after an under-construction building collapsed in Karnataka's Dharwad's. Bolsonaro compliments Trump who replies Brazil could join NATO President Donald Trump heaped praise Tuesday on right-wing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro — and received plenty back — in announcing a special relationship that he said could even see the Latin American country join NATO. At a joint news conference on the sun-soaked Rose Garden lawn, Trump and the man dubbed "Trump of the Tropics" let the mutual compliments flow. "I have always admired the United States of America. And this sense of admiration has just increased after you took office and the presidency," Bolsonaro said. New Goa CM Pramod Sawant to face floor test today A day after Bhartiya Janata Party's Pramod Sawant took charge as the new chief minister of Goa following the demise of Manohar Parrikar, the new CM is all set to prove the majority of his government in the floor test scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Anurag Kashyap, Rajkummar Rao tweet in support of Savi Siddhu, the actor who now works as a security guard The Internet was abuzz Tuesday with the news of actor Savi Siddhu who is now working as a security guard at a residential complex in Mumbai. Siddhu has featured in several prominent films like Akshay Kumar starrer 'Patiala House', Anurag Kashyap's 'Black Friday', 'Gulal' and 'Paanch' among others in the past. But owing to bad health, an acute financial crisis and a lack of roles, Siddhu now works as a security guard in Mumbai.

News brief: Big stories of the day

At least one person is dead and six are injured after the collapse of an under-construction building in Karnataka's Kumareshwar Nagar, Dharwad, ANI news agency reported.

Around 40 people are feared trapped at the site of the collapse.

An under-construction building collapsed on Tuesday in Kumareshwar Nagar area of Karnataka's Dharwad district.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy tweeted, "Shocked to learn about the collapse of an under-construction building in Dharwad. I've instructed the chief secretary to supervise rescue operations. I have also directed the CS to send additional resources and expert rescuers by a special flight to Dharwad."

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Shocked to learn about the collapse of an under-construction building in Dharwad. I have instructed the Chief Secretary to supervise rescue operations. I have also directed the CS to send additional resources and expert rescuers by a special flight to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dharwad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dharwad</a> .
— H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) <a href="https://twitter.com/hd_kumaraswamy/status/1107971878537162752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Kumaraswamy also tweeted that, ''the rescue operation is on and five people have been extricated, so far, from the debris. I have instructed the concerned officials to be on location.''

At least one person is dead and six are injured after the collapse of an under-construction building in Karnataka's Kumareshwar Nagar, Dharwad, ANI news agency reported.

At least one person is dead and six are injured after the collapse of an under-construction building in Karnataka's Kumareshwar Nagar, Dharwad, ANI news agency reported. Around 40 people are feared trapped at the site of the collapse. An under-construction building collapsed on Tuesday in Kumareshwar Nagar area of Karnataka's Dharwad district. Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy tweeted, "Shocked to learn about the collapse of an under-construction building in Dharwad. I've instructed the chief secretary to supervise rescue operations. I have also directed the CS to send additional resources and expert rescuers by a special flight to Dharwad." Shocked to learn about the collapse of an under-construction building in Dharwad. I have instructed the Chief Secretary to supervise rescue operations. I have also directed the CS to send additional resources and expert rescuers by a special flight to #Dharwad . — H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) March 19, 2019 × Kumaraswamy also tweeted that, ''the rescue operation is on and five people have been extricated, so far, from the debris. I have instructed the concerned officials to be on location.''

Karnataka: One dead, six injured after under-construction building collapses

Scaling down his party's demand, JDS supremo HD Deve Gowda Wednesday asked Congress President Rahul Gandhi to allocate at least 10 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka to his party.

The Janata Dal (Secular) had earlier demanded that it be given 12 seats to contest.&nbsp;

After Gandhi met the former prime minister at the latter's residence, the JDS said the seat-sharing agreement is likely to be finalised shortly and will be announced by March 10.

At the two-hour meeting, Gandhi and Deve Gowda broadly discussed seat sharing in Karnataka, the prevailing political situation in the country and the need for opposition unity.

AICC's general secretary in Karnataka KC Venugopal and JDS national general secretary Danish Ali were present at the meeting.

"Gandhi discussed seat sharing in Karnataka. This is the first such discussion between the two parties... Earlier, I had asked for 12 seats. At the meeting, I requested Rahulji to give at least 10 seats to the JDS," Gowda told reporters.

Asserting that the objective of the pre-poll alliance is to win the elections, Gowda said the Congress chief will take a final call on the seat-sharing arrangement after taking inputs from Ali and Venugopal.

The ruling coalition partners in Karnataka have held formal talks on seat sharing at the state level.

Ali said, "Some issues which were not discussed at the meeting have been left to me and Venugopal to decide and finalise."

The Congress would contest two-thirds of the seats and the JDS will get the rest, he said.

"However, seat wise, we have to discuss and finalise. We are going to reach a decision shortly and will announce it by March 10," he noted.&nbsp;

Scaling down his party's demand, JDS supremo HD Deve Gowda Wednesday asked Congress President Rahul Gandhi to allocate at least 10 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka to his party.

Scaling down his party's demand, JDS supremo HD Deve Gowda Wednesday asked Congress President Rahul Gandhi to allocate at least 10 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka to his party. The Janata Dal (Secular) had earlier demanded that it be given 12 seats to contest. After Gandhi met the former prime minister at the latter's residence, the JDS said the seat-sharing agreement is likely to be finalised shortly and will be announced by March 10. At the two-hour meeting, Gandhi and Deve Gowda broadly discussed seat sharing in Karnataka, the prevailing political situation in the country and the need for opposition unity. AICC's general secretary in Karnataka KC Venugopal and JDS national general secretary Danish Ali were present at the meeting. "Gandhi discussed seat sharing in Karnataka. This is the first such discussion between the two parties... Earlier, I had asked for 12 seats. At the meeting, I requested Rahulji to give at least 10 seats to the JDS," Gowda told reporters. Asserting that the objective of the pre-poll alliance is to win the elections, Gowda said the Congress chief will take a final call on the seat-sharing arrangement after taking inputs from Ali and Venugopal. The ruling coalition partners in Karnataka have held formal talks on seat sharing at the state level. Ali said, "Some issues which were not discussed at the meeting have been left to me and Venugopal to decide and finalise." The Congress would contest two-thirds of the seats and the JDS will get the rest, he said. "However, seat wise, we have to discuss and finalise. We are going to reach a decision shortly and will announce it by March 10," he noted.

Lok Sabha: At Rahul-Deve Gowda meeting, JDS scales down demand for seats to 10 in Karnataka

PM Modi takes a jab at opposition addressing a rally in Karnataka

Indicating that he was agreeable to showing some flexibility in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-shouldnt-treat-jds-as-third-grade-citizen-in-seat-sharing-kumaraswamy-190255">seat-sharing talks </a>for the coming Lok Sabha polls with ruling coalition partner Congress, JD(S) supremo <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-threat-to-cong-jds-government-gowda-190489">Deve Gowda</a> Sunday said his party would not be 'rigid' in its demand to contest from 12 of the total of 28 seats.

Gowda said he had also asked the Congress to have a similar mentality during the seat-sharing discussions as there should not be any room for differences on seat sharing between the parties, whose main aim was to halt the BJP's growth.

"I have said 12 seats should be given to us, but I will also not be rigid in saying that they should give us 12," the former Prime Minister said.

Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, he said, "By loosening our stand a bit... A final decision should be arrived at.

You (Congress) should also have that mentality, I have said. Finally, we will come to a decision cordially."

Gowda said he was stating this to bring to an end all speculation and talk that differences may emerge within the coalition during discussions on seat sharing.

The JD(S) leader said he would not be 'adamant' in his demand for seats as the main focus was to halt the BJP's progress and nothing should cause a threat to the alliance.

Congress and JD(S) leaders are likely to discuss seat-sharing for the coming Lok Sabha polls at the coalition coordination committee meeting on Monday.

The coalition partners had held the first round of talks on seat sharing on February 25, during which Congress insisted that winnability would be the criteria, while the JD(S) maintained its stand to contest 12 seats.

As per their coalition agreement, both Congress and JD(S) have decided to fight the Lok Sabha polls together.

However, seat sharing is likely to be a major test for both parties as the JD(S), which is banking on two-third, one-third formula adopted in ministry formation and allocation of boards and corporations, has demanded 12 seats out of the total of 28 seats.

According to sources, JD(S) is said to be keen on contesting from Mandya, Hassan, Bangalore North, Mysuru, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Raichur, Bidar, Bijapur, Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga.

Congress is opposed to this and has maintained that sharing of seats will be based on 'merit'.

According to party insiders, the grand old party is looking at limiting the JD(S) to six seats.

Also, there is pressure from within the Congress not to cede too many seats to JD(S), specially 10 seats where the party has sitting MPs.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indicating that he was agreeable to showing some flexibility in seat-sharing talks for the coming Lok Sabha polls with ruling coalition partner Congress, JD(S) supremo Deve Gowda Sunday said his party would not be 'rigid' in its demand to contest from 12 of the total of 28 seats.

Indicating that he was agreeable to showing some flexibility in seat-sharing talks for the coming Lok Sabha polls with ruling coalition partner Congress, JD(S) supremo Deve Gowda Sunday said his party would not be 'rigid' in its demand to contest from 12 of the total of 28 seats. Gowda said he had also asked the Congress to have a similar mentality during the seat-sharing discussions as there should not be any room for differences on seat sharing between the parties, whose main aim was to halt the BJP's growth. "I have said 12 seats should be given to us, but I will also not be rigid in saying that they should give us 12," the former Prime Minister said. Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, he said, "By loosening our stand a bit... A final decision should be arrived at. You (Congress) should also have that mentality, I have said. Finally, we will come to a decision cordially." Gowda said he was stating this to bring to an end all speculation and talk that differences may emerge within the coalition during discussions on seat sharing. The JD(S) leader said he would not be 'adamant' in his demand for seats as the main focus was to halt the BJP's progress and nothing should cause a threat to the alliance. Congress and JD(S) leaders are likely to discuss seat-sharing for the coming Lok Sabha polls at the coalition coordination committee meeting on Monday. The coalition partners had held the first round of talks on seat sharing on February 25, during which Congress insisted that winnability would be the criteria, while the JD(S) maintained its stand to contest 12 seats. As per their coalition agreement, both Congress and JD(S) have decided to fight the Lok Sabha polls together. However, seat sharing is likely to be a major test for both parties as the JD(S), which is banking on two-third, one-third formula adopted in ministry formation and allocation of boards and corporations, has demanded 12 seats out of the total of 28 seats. According to sources, JD(S) is said to be keen on contesting from Mandya, Hassan, Bangalore North, Mysuru, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Raichur, Bidar, Bijapur, Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga. Congress is opposed to this and has maintained that sharing of seats will be based on 'merit'. According to party insiders, the grand old party is looking at limiting the JD(S) to six seats. Also, there is pressure from within the Congress not to cede too many seats to JD(S), specially 10 seats where the party has sitting MPs.

Will not be rigid in demand to contest from 12 seats: Deve Gowda on alliance with Congress

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday said he would retire from politics if it was proven that the audio clip released by him about BJP state unit president BS Yeddyurappa's alleged toppling game was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-yeddyurappa-dismisses-audio-clips-released-on-him-by-cm-as-fake-196051">mimicry and concocted</a>.

Sticking to his charge that Yeddyurappa had tried to lure a JDS MLA with bribe and other offers, Kumaraswamy hit back at the state BJP strongman, who had said that the audio clip was 'fake' and a 'concocted story.'

Facing turmoil in the ruling coalition that has cast a shadow over the stability of his government, Kumaraswamy had Friday released the audio clip in which Yeddyurappa is purportedly trying to lure JDS MLA Naganagouda through his son.

"I am stating from this place... If it is proved that it was not Yeddyurappa who had spoken and that it is mimicry or parody by Kumaraswamy, then it is not about his retiring, I will retire," the chief minister said at Dharmastala, a holy place in Dakshina Kannada district.

Kumaraswamy also said that those who "played games" with the presiding deity of Dharmastala, Lord Manjunatha, would incur his wrath.

"Invoking the name of Lord Manjunatha Swamy, he could not get protection... He (Yeddyurappa) had to resign within one month (as chief minister)," the Chief Minister said. 
Kumaraswamy was apparently referring to a "truth test" face-off between him and Yeddyurappa in 2011 when the latter was the chief minister.

Yeddyurappa had challenged Kumaraswamy to prove the allegations of corruption and nepotism against him by taking the truth test before Lord Manjunatha and that he would also do the same.

He later retracted and just offered prayers.

Kumaraswamy, who visited the shrine later, pledged before the deity that he stood by the charges made by him against the Chief Minister in the last six to seven months.

According to the tradition followed at the temple, aggrieved parties stand before the deity and take a pledge on the issues they have been contesting, after payment of Rs 11 as fee.

As per the custom, the temple authorities only facilitate the exercise but do not interfere.

The political war over charges of horse-trading had escalated Friday with Kumaraswamy releasing the audio clip hours before presenting the Congress-JDS coalition government's budget for 2019-2020 in the assembly.

Yeddyurappa, who is at the vortex of the row over his alleged bid to poach the ruling coalition MLAs for the past few weeks, had dismissed the clip as "fake" and a "concocted story".

Kumaraswamy had said that during the purported conversation, Yeddyurappa had also spoken about a "Rs 50 crore offer to book" the assembly speaker.

In the clip, a male voice is heard offering money and ministerial berth, besides assuring Naganagouda's son Sharan Gouda about "taking care" of the Speaker and the judges in case of the anti- defection law being invoked.

Yeddyurappa had dismissed the claim by the chief minister that he had spoken in the audio about a "Rs 50 crore" offer to the assembly speaker.

"I will retire from politics if it (the allegation) is proved. If I had spoken like this (about the speaker), if it is proved, I will resign as an MLA and quit politics," he had said.&nbsp;

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday said he would retire from politics if it was proven that the audio clip released by him about BJP state unit president BS Yeddyurappa's alleged toppling game was mimicry and concocted.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday said he would retire from politics if it was proven that the audio clip released by him about BJP state unit president BS Yeddyurappa's alleged toppling game was mimicry and concocted. Sticking to his charge that Yeddyurappa had tried to lure a JDS MLA with bribe and other offers, Kumaraswamy hit back at the state BJP strongman, who had said that the audio clip was 'fake' and a 'concocted story.' Facing turmoil in the ruling coalition that has cast a shadow over the stability of his government, Kumaraswamy had Friday released the audio clip in which Yeddyurappa is purportedly trying to lure JDS MLA Naganagouda through his son. "I am stating from this place... If it is proved that it was not Yeddyurappa who had spoken and that it is mimicry or parody by Kumaraswamy, then it is not about his retiring, I will retire," the chief minister said at Dharmastala, a holy place in Dakshina Kannada district. Kumaraswamy also said that those who "played games" with the presiding deity of Dharmastala, Lord Manjunatha, would incur his wrath. "Invoking the name of Lord Manjunatha Swamy, he could not get protection... He (Yeddyurappa) had to resign within one month (as chief minister)," the Chief Minister said. Kumaraswamy was apparently referring to a "truth test" face-off between him and Yeddyurappa in 2011 when the latter was the chief minister. Yeddyurappa had challenged Kumaraswamy to prove the allegations of corruption and nepotism against him by taking the truth test before Lord Manjunatha and that he would also do the same. He later retracted and just offered prayers. Kumaraswamy, who visited the shrine later, pledged before the deity that he stood by the charges made by him against the Chief Minister in the last six to seven months. According to the tradition followed at the temple, aggrieved parties stand before the deity and take a pledge on the issues they have been contesting, after payment of Rs 11 as fee. As per the custom, the temple authorities only facilitate the exercise but do not interfere. The political war over charges of horse-trading had escalated Friday with Kumaraswamy releasing the audio clip hours before presenting the Congress-JDS coalition government's budget for 2019-2020 in the assembly. Yeddyurappa, who is at the vortex of the row over his alleged bid to poach the ruling coalition MLAs for the past few weeks, had dismissed the clip as "fake" and a "concocted story". Kumaraswamy had said that during the purported conversation, Yeddyurappa had also spoken about a "Rs 50 crore offer to book" the assembly speaker. In the clip, a male voice is heard offering money and ministerial berth, besides assuring Naganagouda's son Sharan Gouda about "taking care" of the Speaker and the judges in case of the anti- defection law being invoked. Yeddyurappa had dismissed the claim by the chief minister that he had spoken in the audio about a "Rs 50 crore" offer to the assembly speaker. "I will retire from politics if it (the allegation) is proved. If I had spoken like this (about the speaker), if it is proved, I will resign as an MLA and quit politics," he had said.

Kumaraswamy says he will retire from politics if audio clip about Yeddyurappa is fake

BJP Karnataka president B S Yeddyurappa Friday rubbished as "fake" and "a concocted story" audio clips released by state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy about his alleged bid to lure an MLA to topple the Congress-JD(S) government.

Shortly after Kumaraswamy released the clips, Yeddyurappa said he had not met anyone to woo JD(S) lawmaker Nagana Gouda as alleged and that the charge against him was "far from the truth."

Yeddyurappa said he went to Devadurga, where the MLA's son Sharan Gouda claimed to have met him and recorded the conversation, to visit a temple and flew back to the city.

Kumaraswamy had "concocted" the story to hide his failures and inability to keep the JD(S) and Congress flock together, Yeddyurappa told reporters in Bengaluru.

"It is a fake audio... I have not met anyone. Kumaraswamy is trying to hide his failures. This is a drama," Yeddyurappa said.

He said the Kumaraswamy government had lost the trust of the people and had "no moral right" to continue in office.

"Kumaraswamy himself is a film producer. He is an expert in voice recording.... Whatever the charge he has made is baseless," Yeddyurappa said.

He also dismissed a claim by the chief minister that he had spoken in the audio about a "Rs 50 crore" offer to the assembly speaker.

"I will retire from politics if it (the allegation) is proved...If I had spoken like this (about the speaker), if it is proved... I will resign as an MLA and quit politics."

BJP Karnataka president B S Yeddyurappa Friday rubbished as "fake" and "a concocted story" audio clips released by state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy about his alleged bid to lure an MLA to topple the Congress-JD(S) government.

BJP Karnataka president B S Yeddyurappa Friday rubbished as "fake" and "a concocted story" audio clips released by state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy about his alleged bid to lure an MLA to topple the Congress-JD(S) government. Shortly after Kumaraswamy released the clips, Yeddyurappa said he had not met anyone to woo JD(S) lawmaker Nagana Gouda as alleged and that the charge against him was "far from the truth." Yeddyurappa said he went to Devadurga, where the MLA's son Sharan Gouda claimed to have met him and recorded the conversation, to visit a temple and flew back to the city. Kumaraswamy had "concocted" the story to hide his failures and inability to keep the JD(S) and Congress flock together, Yeddyurappa told reporters in Bengaluru. "It is a fake audio... I have not met anyone. Kumaraswamy is trying to hide his failures. This is a drama," Yeddyurappa said. He said the Kumaraswamy government had lost the trust of the people and had "no moral right" to continue in office. "Kumaraswamy himself is a film producer. He is an expert in voice recording.... Whatever the charge he has made is baseless," Yeddyurappa said. He also dismissed a claim by the chief minister that he had spoken in the audio about a "Rs 50 crore" offer to the assembly speaker. "I will retire from politics if it (the allegation) is proved...If I had spoken like this (about the speaker), if it is proved... I will resign as an MLA and quit politics."

'Concocted story': Yeddyurappa on CM Kumaraswamy's audio clips alleging he lured Karnataka MLA

Opposition BJP in Karnataka on Wednesday disrupted Governor Vajubhai Vala's address to the joint sitting of the state legislature here.

This is the first session after the cabinet expansion in December and political turmoil that engulfed the state following the alleged attempt by the BJP to topple the government by poaching disgruntled legislators of the ruling JD(S)-Congress coalition.

As soon as the governor started his customary address to the joint sitting, BJP members entered the Well of the House, asking him not to deliver the address.

"You are made to read lies, so please don't read it," BJP members said. 
However, Vala continued with his speech, even as BJP members intensified their sloganeering.

"We don't want a bundle of lies to be read. Down down... The government that has lost majority and trust," they shouted.

As the BJP's protest intensified, the governor said he is concluding his address, and it should be deemed as read. Vala read out the last paragraph of his speech.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who also holds the Finance portfolio, is scheduled to present his coalition governments second budget on February 8.

Opposition BJP in Karnataka on Wednesday disrupted Governor Vajubhai Vala's address to the joint sitting of the state legislature here. This is the first session after the cabinet expansion in December and political turmoil that engulfed the state following the alleged attempt by the BJP to topple the government by poaching disgruntled legislators of the ruling JD(S)-Congress coalition.

Opposition BJP in Karnataka on Wednesday disrupted Governor Vajubhai Vala's address to the joint sitting of the state legislature here. This is the first session after the cabinet expansion in December and political turmoil that engulfed the state following the alleged attempt by the BJP to topple the government by poaching disgruntled legislators of the ruling JD(S)-Congress coalition. As soon as the governor started his customary address to the joint sitting, BJP members entered the Well of the House, asking him not to deliver the address. "You are made to read lies, so please don't read it," BJP members said. However, Vala continued with his speech, even as BJP members intensified their sloganeering. "We don't want a bundle of lies to be read. Down down... The government that has lost majority and trust," they shouted. As the BJP's protest intensified, the governor said he is concluding his address, and it should be deemed as read. Vala read out the last paragraph of his speech. Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who also holds the Finance portfolio, is scheduled to present his coalition governments second budget on February 8.

Drama in Karnataka: Opposition MLAs create ruckus in legislature, disrupt Governor’s address

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