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On August 4, 2021, 29-year-old Gujjar, accused in at least eight murder cases, and lodged in jail number 3 at the time, was found dead inside the high security prison. Police and prison officials have thus far maintained that Gujjar, one of western Uttar Pradesh’s dreaded gangsters, had died during a scuffle when he resisted attempts by wardens to search his cell, during which he allegedly slapped a prison official.
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.
A coordination meeting between BJP and JD(S) leaders on March 29 in Bengaluru aims to ensure understanding among party workers ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. JD(S) will contest in three seats as part of their alliance with BJP in Karnataka. The meeting is crucial for effective campaigning and avoiding past mistakes in alliances.
Karnataka Congress Chief DK Shivakumar accuses Centre of not providing enough funds for development projects during drought, claiming stepmotherly treatment. He says Karnataka is not getting its due share compared to other states. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman denies allegations of fiscal bias, stating all funds due to Karnataka were released on time. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah files petition in Supreme Court seeking immediate release of National Disaster Response Fund. Former CM Basavaraj Bommai asks Congress government to disclose details of NDRF funds received during UPA and NDA regimes.
The Election Commission has directed Karnataka's chief electoral officer to act on a complaint by H D Deve Gowda of JD(S) against Congress MP D K Suresh for allegedly planning freebie distribution in Bengaluru (Rural) Lok Sabha seat. Gowda criticized the state poll machinery for inaction and requested swift compliance with the model code of conduct.
Speculation suggests JD(S) state President H D Kumaraswamy may contest from Mandya, sparking opposition from Channapatna constituency workers. Party leaders to decide on candidates for Kolar, Hassan, and Mandya in a seat-sharing deal with BJP. Workers in Mandya support Kumaraswamy's candidacy, while Channapatna constituents urge him to stay. Decision expected after core committee meeting. Nikhil Kumaraswamy and C S Puttaraju also potential candidates.
Veteran leader Jagadish Shettar, now with BJP, expresses confidence in winning Lok Sabha seat from Belagavi. He emphasizes unity between Marathas and Kannadigas. BJP releases fifth list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls, including Shettar from Belgaum. Shettar returned to BJP from Congress in January after being denied assembly ticket last year. Karnataka will vote in two phases on April 26 and May 7.
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya believes the BJP-JDS alliance will have a positive impact on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka. Surya met JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy to discuss the alliance. JD(S) Youth Wing President Nikhil Kumaraswamy stated that Congress leaders are aware of the alliance's strength. Former CM HD Kumaraswamy will decide in two days whether to contest. Karnataka will vote in two phases on April 26 and May 7.
Former CM Jagadish Shettar and ex-Speaker Vishveshwar Hegde Kageri are among the BJP's second list of candidates for Karnataka. Shettar to contest from Belagavi, Kageri from Uttara Kannada replacing Anantkumar Hegde. Other candidates include Dr K Sudhakar from Chikkaballapura and Raja Amareshwara Naik from Raichur. The BJP aims to field candidates for all 28 constituencies in the upcoming general elections in Karnataka.
Gali Janardhana Reddy, Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha leader and Gangavati MLA, to rejoin BJP to support PM Narendra Modi for another term. Reddy praised Modi's leadership, stating that he has made India a world leader. He will officially join BJP in the presence of party leaders Vijayendra and Radha Mohan Das Agarwal. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 to be held in seven phases, with Karnataka voting on April 26 and May 7.