Protest held in Bengaluru after Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar statue vandalised in Kolkata

Politics

Among the prominent protesters were 97-year-old veteran freedom fighter HS Doreswamy.

TNM Staff

Protests against the vandalising of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar’s statue in Kolkata on Tuesday evening, allegedly by BJP-ABVP activists, have reached Bengaluru. Members of left-leaning organisations held a gathering in Bengaluru’s Town Hall on Wednesday. The protest was organised by the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) and All India Mahila Samskritik Sanghatan (AIMSS), affiliates of the Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI). Among the prominent protesters were 97-year-old veteran freedom fighter HS Doreswamy, who condemned Tuesday’s incident. "As per media reports, BJP workers barged into Vidyasagar College during the clash and vandalised the bust of great humanist and renowned Renaissance thinker Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar located inside the college premises,” he said. “The pioneer of Indian Renaissance Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, as well as Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule, were the strong advocates of women's education. Throughout his life, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar fought for women's liberation. The father of Indian nationalism, Vivekananda proclaimed that 'Ishwar Chandra is the hero not just of Bengal but of entire India'. Great freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose held Vidyasagar in high regard. Bengal is the land that gave birth to great men like Vivekananda, Netaji, Khudiram and Vidyasagar. But petty political interests of the present day are dismantling the cultural heritage of this great land. As Indians, we are bestowed with the responsibility of condemning this act and uphold the politics practised by Bhagat Singh and Netaji in place of this rotten politics that we are witnessing today,” he added. MN Sriram, Bengaluru District Secretary of SUCI who also addressed the gathering termed this vandalism an attack on democracy. “Throughout the country, progressives and people with ideas contrary to Hindutva are under attack. By vandalising the statues of Periyar, Ambedkar and now Vidyasagar, an atmosphere of hatred is being created. These are deterrent to communal harmony, democratic values, and people’s unity. The attack on his bust is an attack on the very concept of democracy,” he said. The AIDSO has called for similar protests across the country on Thursday. “AIDSO calls for all India protest day on May 16 to protest against this heinous act of Sangh Parivar and urges upon the democratic-minded people of the country in general and students, in particular, to make success the programme to uphold the anti-facist tradition of our country,” the students body said in a statement. Sithara Mohan, an AIDSO member based in Bengaluru, said similar protests will take place on Thursday in Mysuru and other places in the state. Charge and countercharge The vandalism took place in north Kolkata’s Vidyasagar College, founded by Ishwar Chandra himself, during a clash between students opposing the BJP and BJP workers, as Amit Shah was passing through the area as part of his roadshow. The ruling TMC has blamed the BJP of vandalising the statue and submitted video proof of the incident to the Election Commission, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has blamed “hooliganism” of TMC workers for the incident. Who was Vidyasagar? A polymath, Ishwar Chandra was born in 1820 and is a prominent face of the Bengal renaissance. His ‘Borno Porichoy’ (introduction of Alphabets) is the go-to book for those learning to read and write Bengali for close to two centuries now. He was a pioneer in introducing education for women and also banning the inhuman practice of Sati. He was awarded the title of ‘Vidyasagar’ (ocean of learning) for his contribution in philosophy, Sanskrit and the field of education. He also introduced the concept of remarriage for women and the abolition of child marriages.

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Kodagu floods: 35 houses allocated for families affected by landslides

Disaster

The two-bedroom houses, spread across 4.8 acres, have been distributed to families whose houses were completely damaged or destroyed in the landslides.

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Nine months after the devastating floods and landslides that affected the Kodagu district of Karnataka, the district administration has allocated 35 houses in Karnangeri for those displaced by the disaster. The two-bedroom houses are spread across an area of 4.8 acres and have been distributed to families whose houses were completely damaged or destroyed in the landslides. The landslides particularly affected Karnangeri, Udayagiri, Makkanduru, Eradane Monnangeri and Hemmethalu. Three families from Karnangeri who lost their homes were accommodated in the 35 houses. Sixteen other families from Udayagiri and Makkanduru villages were also accommodated in the same housing colony, Assistant Commissioner T Javaregowda confirmed. “We are considering those families who come within a two-kilometre radius of the village, and duly 16 families will receive the housing facilities,” Javaregowda said. Around 106 families affected by the floods and landslides near Karnangeri alone had sought a house in the same area. Sixteen of these families will now be housed in Karnangeri through a lottery draw. According to a report drawn up by the Revenue Department, the floods and landslides had severely damaged 501 houses and partially damaged 662 houses. The state government planned to build 840 houses for affected residents as part of the rehabilitation programme at a cost of Rs 9.85 lakh per house. In December, Minister for Urban Development and Housing UT Khader had assured that about 845 two-bedroom houses for the flood victims will be ready by May. 110 acres of land was identified in Gaalibeedu, Made, Nidugane, Karnangeri, Biligeri, Sampaje and Jamburu for the construction of the houses. However, only 35 houses in Karnangeri have been completed. The construction of the houses were delayed by administration changes in Kodagu. Deputy Commissioner Sreevidya, who was in charge during the landslides and had sanctioned the construction of the houses, was replaced by Annies Kanmani Joy in February this year. The post was lying vacant for an interim period as Sreevidya had taken leave for two months to take care of her ailing father. Houses damaged in Monnangeri in Kodagu in August 2018 Residents in the hilly areas of Kodagu are fearful that a repeat of last year’s floods and landslides will leave them homeless and are preparing themselves by renting houses in safer areas and moving into relatives’ houses. “People are looking for houses on rent or have informed relatives, they will move if there are one or two days of rain. This is happening in places like Mukkodlu, Hemmethalu and Makkanduru, which was badly affected by the landslides last year,” explains Deepak Muthanna, a coffee trader residing in Madapura. Deepak was involved in the rescue efforts during the floods last year. Story by Story Infinity (Subs and Scribes Media Ventures LLP.) With inputs from Prajwal Bhat

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Rhetoric or strategy? Why HDK said Congress leader Kharge should have become CM

Politics

Is there more to Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy stating that Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge should have become CM long ago?

TNM Staff

“We, the politicians of Karnataka, are responsible for denying Kharge the Chief Minister’s post,” Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said in an emotional speech at Chincholi in Kalaburgi district on Wednesday. Taking a veiled dig at the Congress, Kumaraswamy said that Congress MP from Kalaburgi, Mallikarjun Kharge, should have become the Chief Minister long ago. “Mallikarjun Kharge should have become the Chief Minister long ago. I feel that injustice has happened with him. I would like to clearly state that even I feel that Kharge has not been given recognition for all the work he has done,” Kumaraswamy said. As shocking as the Chief Minister’s words may seem, Kumaraswamy’s statement comes in the heels of monumental changes that are currently underway in the Congress-JD(S) coalition government. A week ago, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s supporters openly called for installing him as the CM of Karnataka, thereby causing the rift between the Congress and JD(S) to grow wider. Congress insiders say that over 40 MLAs, who support Siddaramaiah are already working towards withdrawing support from the coalition. Amidst such turbulent times, Kumaraswamy’s statement can only be seen as a way to portray the Congress as anti-Dalit. “By saying that Kharge deserves to be the CM, Kumaraswamy is essentially telling the people of Hyderabad-Karnataka region (a stronghold of the Congress) that the party does not want to install a person from the Dalit community as the Chief Minister. Kumaraswamy is thinking ahead and ensuring that in case the coalition fails, he can damage the Congress’ mage in the eyes of the Dalit community,” the Congress source said. However, JD(S) insider say that Kumaraswamy’s statement also comes as a reminder of the post-poll scenario in 2004 and 2018 when the Congress had denied Kharge a shot at becoming the CM. In 2004, when the Assembly was hung in Karnataka, the Congress and JD(S) forged an alliance where the late Dharama Singh was made the CM and Siddaramaiah, who was then in the JD(S) was the Deputy CM. In 2018, when the two parties came to power, the Congress had a choice of making Kharge the CM or relinquishing it to the JD(S). “Kumaraswamy is just reminding people that a Dalit leader, who is more experienced that Siddaramaiah was side-lined. Besides, Kharge was one of the people who was for the coalition in Karnataka. He is the one who maintains the balance between the feuding Congress leaders. For the JD(S), his support is crucial,” the source said. Party sources revealed that Congress President Rahul Gandhi is also supporting Siddaramaiah in his endeavour to break away from the alliance. With the grand old party’s cadre unwilling to work for the alliance, the Congress is facing a dilemma – risk re-election or lose carefully cultivated cadre. “JD(S) has called for a legislative party meeting on May 24 so they can blame the Congress for its failures. The Congress LP meeting will be held ahead of JD(S)’s. Top leaders have already planned how they will withdraw support and are also poaching JD(S) MLAs. In such a situation, Kumaraswamy can only rely on Kharge to change the high command’s mind,” the source added. 

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ATM mechanic, associate arrested in Bengaluru for stealing Rs 1 crore cash from ATMs

Crime

While the stolen cash was hidden in three locations in Bengaluru, police have managed to recover Rs 95 lakh.

TNM Staff

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Police in Bengaluru on Wednesday arrested an ATM mechanic and his associate for stealing Rs 1 crore cash from ATMs. The prime accused has been identified as 28-year-old Kishore Kumar who ran away after allegedly stealing the money. Police have also arrested 30-year-old Rakesh Samuel who allegedly helped him in hiding the stolen cash. Kishore was employed with a cash logistics firm while Rakesh is a cab driver. The reason behind the theft was that Rakesh was unable to return a loan of Rs 20 lakh after his restaurant business failed. Police had begun investigations after Kishore’s employers approached the police and lodged a complaint. Rs 95 lakh of the stolen cash has also been recovered, police said. The money was stolen from two ATMs on May 1, one ICICI Bank ATM on Langford Road in Shanthinagar and another RBL Bank ATM on Residency Road. “The management got suspicious after Kishore went on unauthorised leave. When they conducted an audit, they were unable to account for Rs 99.13 lakh,” Adugoi police told The Hindu. “They allegedly planned to loot a few ATMs under the pretext of repairing the machines,” police added. TOI reported that Kishore who was assigned to fix these ATMs knew that those ATMs would get refilled and had received the One Time Passwords (OTPs) to open the cash vending machines. According to police, Rakesh had brought his car to transport the cash near the two ATMs. Police have also found CCTV footage of the two involved in the theft. The stolen cash was hidden in three locations in the city The duo has told the police that the remaining Rs 3.5 lakh have been kept in the hundi of a city temple. Police are yet to verify this claim.        

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‘Mallikarjun Kharge should have become Karnataka CM long ago’: HDK stirs row

Politics

The statement from the CM comes at a time when the rift between the two coalition partners, especially between Siddaramaiah and AH Vishwanath, is quite apparent.

TNM Staff

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday stirred a hornet's nest when he said Congress heavyweight Mallikarjun M Kharge should have been the Chief Minister of the state long ago. The CM said the Dalit leader has faced injustice and not got due recognition. "Mallikarjun Kharge should have become the Chief Minister long ago. I feel that injustice has happened with him. I would like to clearly state that even I feel Kharge has not been given recognition for all the work he has done," the CM said in Chincholi, where he was campaigning for Congress bye-poll candidate Subhas Rathod. Kharge is a nine-time MLA and two-time Lok Sabha MP from Kalaburagi. He had previously served as minister, both in state and central governments, and is the outgoing leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha. Within the Congress, Siddaramaiah and Kharge were considered rivals, especially for the CM’s post.  The statement from the CM comes at a time when the rift between the two coalition partners, especially between Siddaramaiah and AH Vishwanath, is quite apparent.   A section of Congress leaders are upset with JD(S) state chief AH Vishwanath’s statement against former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Vishwanath, responding to some statements made by Congress MLAs seeking the CM’s chair for Siddaramaiah again, had questioned the actions taken by Siddaramaiah during his tenure. The bitter war of words had also played out on Twitter and the CM reportedly had placated Siddaramaiah over phone. It ended with a tweet, with Siddaramaiah claiming that he was bound by the “coalition dharma” and won’t respond to every jibe that comes his way. In a response, Vishwanath said that Siddaramaiah should ensure that his followers do not call for him to be the CM again. Meanwhile, Deputy CM G Parameshwara, another Dalit leader, claimed that the CM’s statement was genuine and not meant to create a controversy. “Such well-experienced and senior leaders like Mr. Kharge are very few in our party. Yet, many a times he missed opportunities,” he told reporters.          

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Alabama Senate approves nation’s strictest abortion ban

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With no maintenance, potholes develop on Bengaluru Kanteerava Stadium athletic track

Crime

The anterior portion of the 400 m track has been destroyed due to constant erosion is dotted with potholes.

TNM Staff

Bengaluru’s Kanteerava stadium is riddled with potholes. The synthetic athletic track in the stadium resembles the city’s streets, infamous for its crater-sized depressions. The ill-maintained track has eroded in several spots, making it difficult for athletes to train. The anterior portion of the 400 m track has been destroyed due to constant erosion and is dotted with potholes. According to the coaches at Kanteerava Stadium, the tracks have not been maintained properly since 2006, and despite several requests made to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, the government has not allocated funds for it. “The tracks are made of synthetic materials and it is very useful. The shelf life of a synthetic track is three years and if the track is maintained properly, it can last for five years. But these tracks were badly kept since day one,” a coach said on condition of anonymity. The stadium got its first track in 1997 when the National Athletic Games were held at Kanteerava. However, the tracks were not maintained properly and finally in 2006, new tracks were laid. By 2013, the tracks were once again in a bad shape and the state government had only carried out maintenance work to fix the eroded parts and also fill the craters. “Since 2013, the tracks have deteriorated. Synthetic tracks need to be watered and maintained properly by technical experts. The tracks needed to be scrubbed and washed properly. Since this did not happen, dust and mud accumulated. This led to growth of algae. The bunds along the sides of the tracks have been destroyed too, because they have not been maintained for years,” the coach added. Speaking to TNM, K Srinivas, the Commissioner of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, said that tenders have been called for so new tracks can be laid. “Recently, a lot of resources have gone into the renovation of the football stadium. We have floated tenders so new tracks can be laid out at Kanteerava. The work will begin within a couple of months. Regarding maintenance of the tracks, the stadium authorities have not brought it to our notice,” he said. However, members of the Karnataka Athletics Association (KAA) lament that once the new tracks are laid, the government needs to issue a maintenance contract to ensure that the tracks do not crumble and develop potholes again. “The government has neglected Kanteerava Stadium time and again. Once in five or ten years they will fix whatever has been destroyed. If athletes need to practice properly, they need good facilities. Once the tracks are laid, they need to hire people to clean the tracks and ensure that debris and dust do not accumulate,” the KAA member said.  

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