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Several rivers in Karnataka are again in spate following heavy rains in their catchment areas as well as in the upstream in the neighbouring Maharashtra, officials said on Tuesday. Krishna, Bhadra, Tunga, Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Markandeya Hiranyakeshi and several other small rivers and rivulets are "swollen and flowing dangerously", sources in the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre said. Landslides were reported in some parts of Charmadi Ghat, according to officials.
The Election Commission announced seizure of cash and goods worth over ₹62 crore since the model code of conduct was implemented in Karnataka for the Lok Sabha elections. Items seized include cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies. Nearly 969 FIRs have been registered, and the Excise Department has taken action against numerous cases of violations.
A fire in a Noida dumping yard was extinguished after 100 hours, with 150 firefighters and 15 water tenders deployed. Over 35 lakh liters of water were used. The fire started on Monday and was fully extinguished on Friday, with two water tenders remaining as a precaution. Challenges included wind and sun affecting firefighting efforts.
The Palghar police in Maharashtra have arrested the prime accused from Uttar Pradesh in the kidnapping and murder case of a Mumbai-based man. The victim, Sudhir Singh, was kidnapped and fatally attacked on January 12. The accused, Rahul Pal alias Marda, was tracked down through calls made to his wife. With his arrest, the total number of persons held in the case is now four.
Former Karnataka MLA Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, sparked controversy by calling Union Minister Amit Shah a 'goonda, rowdy'. BJP slammed Congress for the remarks. BJP leaders criticized Yathindra, calling his comments inappropriate and frustrated. BJP plans to lodge complaints with the Election Commission and police. Yathindra's future in politics could be at stake due to his remarks.
Senior BJP leader KS Eshwarappa expressed discontent over one family holding power in Karnataka BJP, indirectly referring to Yediyurappa family. Eshwarappa confident of winning Shivamogga seat, supporting Modi for third term. Despite warning to contest independently, Eshwarappa aims to contribute to Modi's victory. BJP released second list of 72 candidates, including Yediyurappa's son, leading Eshwarappa to consider independent contest.
BJP's Bengaluru South Lok Sabha candidate Tejasvi Surya predicts a victory with a margin of over 5 lakh votes in the constituency. Surya, along with party leaders, outlined election strategies and upcoming events to mobilize support. Former CM Kumaraswamy expressed confidence in NDA winning all 28 seats in Karnataka. Leader Ashoka criticized opposition for lack of transparency in alliances.
Toll charges on Mumbai's Rajiv Gandhi Bandra Worli Sea Link to increase by 18% from April 1, with rates for cars and jeeps at Rs 100, minibuses and similar vehicles at Rs 160, and two-axle trucks at Rs 210 for one-way trips. Rebates available for advance purchase of toll booklets. Plans to connect sea link to under-construction coastal roads.
DK Suresh and Prajwal Revanna filed nominations for the upcoming polls in Karnataka. Suresh, seeking reelection from Bangalore Rural, defeated Anitha Kumaraswamy in the past. Revanna, grandson of H D Deve Gowda, filed from Hassan. BJP-JD(S) fielded C N Manjunath against Suresh. Congress named Shreyas Patel in Hassan. The election is seen as a continuation of the historical political rivalry between the Gowda and Patel families.
Seizures in Karnataka under the model code of conduct have surpassed ₹50 crore. Election Commission reports ₹55.76 crore seized since March 16, ahead of Lok Sabha polls in two phases. Cash, liquor, drugs, weapons, and precious metals among items confiscated. Over 847 FIRs filed, arms surrendered, and cases booked. Excise Department also involved in seizing vehicles and illegal activities.
Fares of shared taxi services from Mumbai to Nashik, Shirdi, and Pune have been hiked by Rs 50 to Rs 200. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority approved the fare revision for non-AC and AC taxis. Passengers boarding from Mumbai will pay more for AC taxi travel to Nashik and Shirdi, and both AC and non-AC taxi travel to Pune. The fare hike is expected to come into effect next month.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar stated that the Congress will decide on making him Chief Minister in the future, sparking discussions about a leadership change. Reports of a "rotational Chief Minister formula" were mentioned, but not officially confirmed. Shivakumar responded to speculations, saying it will be decided by the party. He emphasized working under Siddaramaiah's leadership and the state's progress.
Five Congress legislators threatened to resign if K H Muniyappa's son-in-law was given a ticket to contest from Kolar in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The party is yet to announce its candidate, with opposing views on the representation of Scheduled Castes. After discussions with party leaders, the legislators have decided to wait and abide by the party's decision.
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao criticized the Central government for interrupting the supply of anti-TB drugs in the state, affecting over 80,000 patients annually. He urged immediate action to rectify the situation, calling the lack of critical medications unacceptable. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also accused the Centre of neglecting Karnataka's development projects amid drought conditions.
Former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy announced his candidature from Mandya Lok Sabha constituency with the NDA, aiming to address the state's water crisis. He criticized the Congress for not solving irrigation problems during their rule. Kumaraswamy expressed confidence in NDA's victory in the upcoming elections and dismissed DMK's opposition to the Mekedatu Dam project as a gimmick.
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar is confident that Congress will win at least 20 out of 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state. He believes the JDS-BJP alliance is not effective. Despite BJP's strong performance in 2019, Shivakumar claims the party is in bad shape in Karnataka. He emphasizes collective leadership and local issues for Congress' success. Voting in Karnataka will be on April 26 and May 7.