[QUICKREADS]
As dengue continues to rattle parts of India this year, Assam and Manipur have so far reported over 700 cases of the vector-borne disease while seven persons have died. Assam has reported more cases than Manipur with four deaths reported from the hill district of Karbi Anglong while Manipur saw cases and deaths in 12 of the state's 16 districts.
Former Karnataka CM and BJP MP D V Sadananda Gowda hinted at sharing his "inner feelings" amid Congress speculation. Unhappy about being denied a ticket for Bangalore North, he mentioned being approached by various parties. Despite celebrating his birthday, Gowda plans to make a decision after consulting with family. BJP shifted Shobha Karandlaje to contest from Bangalore North. BJP leader Radha Mohan Das Agarwal informed Gowda about the situation.
Youth Congress workers protested in Bengaluru, demanding a ticket for Mohammed Nalapad from Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha Constituency. Congress released its first list of 39 candidates for Lok Sabha elections, including names for seven seats in Karnataka. Karnataka BJP chief claimed the state's mood favors BJP. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said PM Modi fears Mallikarjun Kharge, predicting Congress will win 20 seats in Karnataka.
Two people died and seven were injured in an under-construction building collapse in Kolkata's Garden Reach area. Mayor Firhad Hakim said rescue operations were ongoing at the site of the illegal construction. The promoter of the building was arrested, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee promised compensation for the victims. She urged strict action against those involved in illegal construction. Rescue efforts continue amidst fears of more people trapped under the debris.
Authorities at Gujarat University are relocating international students to a new hostel after an attack on students offering namaz. Two individuals have been arrested, and efforts to apprehend other suspects are ongoing. Security is being bolstered, and a foreign student advisory committee has been established. The incident involved clashes between groups within the university premises. Police have registered a case against unidentified individuals.
Congress accuses Modi government of neglecting Karnataka's acute water crisis during severe drought, with 223 out of 236 Talukas affected. ₹18,172 crore drought relief funds requested, MGNREGS wages unpaid. FCI's refusal to sell rice for Anna Bhagya scheme questioned. PM Modi urged to address issues during Shivamogga visit, clarify BJP's stance on dynasty in politics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a public meeting in Shivamogga for the Lok Sabha elections, following his first election meeting in Kalaburagi. The BJP aims for a turnout of 2.5 lakh people at the Allama Prabhu ground. The meeting, in the home district of BJP's Yediyurappa, features his son Raghavendra as the party's candidate amidst a challenge from rebel Eshwarappa. BJP leaders are confident of repeating their 2019 performance in Karnataka.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will extend metro services from Delhi Gate station past midnight for the Women's Premier League Final at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. Services will run until 0015 hrs, with potential further modifications based on match conclusion. Delhi Capitals and RCB will compete for the WPL title, with DC aiming to redeem their previous loss. DMRC and Delhi Capitals collaborated to ensure safe travels for fans.
BJP leader Radha Mohan Das Agarwal tried to persuade rebel K S Eshwarappa not to contest Lok Sabha election independently but failed. Eshwarappa remains determined to challenge B S Yediyurappa's son in Shimoga constituency. Eshwarappa criticized Yediyurappa and BJP's control by his family. His rebellion poses a challenge as PM Modi is set to address a rally in their hometown.
The Vokkaliga heartland in old Mysuru will be the battleground for the BJP-JD(S) alliance in Karnataka's Lok Sabha polls. The Congress aims to consolidate its gains, while the alliance hopes to counter the Congress' surge. The BJP-JD(S) alliance aims to secure Vokkaliga votes, despite past setbacks. Elections will be held in two phases on April 26 and May 7 in Karnataka.
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar confident of Congress winning 20 seats in state during Lok Sabha polls. Party almost finalised candidates, Election Committee meeting on March 19. Concerns over EVM tampering raised, PM Modi's impact discussed. BJP may try to lure ruling party members, but Shivakumar remains optimistic.
NCPRI Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo alleged that 20 girls are almost imprisoned in an illegal orphanage in Bengaluru. The orphanage operated by a woman named Salma reportedly arranges marriages for the girls in Kuwait. Police were called in during an investigation, but the police station refused to file an FIR. Bengaluru Police have been informed for necessary action.
Residents of Bengaluru are facing a severe water crisis, queuing up at RO water plants due to depleted groundwater and dried borewells. Many are dependent on RO water as Kaveri supply is irregular. IT professionals opt to work from home to conserve water. Political parties blame each other for the crisis. Karnataka CM denies diverting water to Tamil Nadu. Deputy CM accuses BJP of creating water scarcity in Bengaluru.
Senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa announced he will contest as an independent from Shimoga, blaming B S Yediyurappa for denying his son a ticket. Eshwarappa aims to save party ideology and make Narendra Modi PM again. He accused Yediyurappa of favoritism towards his family members and urged supporters to help him win to address issues within BJP. Yediyurappa hopes to resolve the conflict with Eshwarappa.
Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar stated that many BJP and JDS workers are eager to join Congress before Lok Sabha elections, with instructions given to facilitate the process. He mentioned concerns of JDS workers due to more Devegowda family members entering politics. Decision on CAA implementation in Karnataka to be made after discussions. Feedback from grassroots level considered for candidate selection.
The Karnataka cabinet has decided to set up an SIT to probe the police sub-inspector recruitment scam following recommendations from Justice B Veerappa Commission. The scam involved 113 people, including government officers and employees. The cabinet also approved building a statue of 'Goddess Bhuvaneshwari' at Vidhana Soudha, developing a theme-based garden, and upgrading Primary Health Centres with equipment worth Rs 40 crore.