bangalore news times

Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP has announced a series of protests and programmes across the state against the hike in milk prices, the suspension of 18 BJP MLAs, and the Muslim quota in government tenders. BJP state chief B.Y. Vijayendra announced after a meeting at the party headquarters in Bengaluru on Saturday. Also Read Myanmar’s earthquake killed over 1,000, 2,376 injured The government has increased the price of milk by Rs 4 and also decided to provide 4 per cent reservation for Muslim contractors in government tenders and 18 BJP MLAs were suspended for six months on charges of disrupting the proceedings in the house and showing disrespect to the Speaker’s Chair, who were protesting on the issue of honey trap attempt on the Congress Minister and Muslim quota. “We have decided that on April 2, all BJP MLAs, MLCs, former MLAs, party workers, state office bearers, and district presidents will stage a day-and-night dharna against the Congress government’s decision to increase the...

Bengaluru: A delegation from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday petitioned Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot requesting him to reject a Bill that proposes a 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in public contracts. The VHP described the proposed legislation as “against the principles of the Constitution”. The Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed by the legislature last week, reserving 4 per cent of contracts for Muslims in civil works valued up to Rs 2 crore and goods/services procurement contracts up to Rs 1 crore. The Governor’s assent is now required for the Bill to become Act. Also Read Bengaluru temple chariot collapses second year in a row, 1 dead “Dr B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, strongly opposed religion-based reservations while drafting the Constitution. Article 15 specifically prohibits the state from discriminating among citizens based on religion or caste,” the memorandum stated. It f...

The Karnataka police booked a suo moto case against a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former minister Pramod Madhwaraj for allegedly making casteist remarks against the Dalit community. The case was booked on Saturday, March 22, after Madhwaraj reportedly justified an assault on a 43-year-old Dalit woman by five fishermen at the Malpe fishing harbour in Udupi district who accused the woman of stealing fish. The assault took place on March 18. The following day, a case was filed under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and BNS 130 (Assault) against the fishermen. They have been sent to judicial custody for 14 days. Also Read Dalit family faces social boycott in Karnataka’s Mysuru In response to the arrest, protests were held demanding the five fishermen be released immediately and warned of intensified agitation if their demands were not met. Participating in the protest, the BJP leader Madhwaraj addressed a gathering where he defended the Dal...

A 24-year-old man died and four others were injured when a 150-feet chariot collapsed during the Madduramma temple festival in Rayasandra, Parappana Agrahara, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The incident occurred on Saturday, March 23 as devotees pulled the chariot toward the temple when strong winds and heavy rain reportedly caused it to lose balance and crash. Panic ensued as hundreds of devotees scrambled for safety. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Siasat Daily (@siasatdaily) Videos of the collapse circulated widely on social media, prompting criticism of festival organizers and local authorities. Many questioned the chariot’s structural integrity and why preventive measures weren’t taken despite the previous year’s mishap. Also Read Video: 120-ft-tall chariot collapses during festival in Bengaluru This marks the second consecutive year a chariot has toppled at the festival. Last year’s incident damaged sev...

Bengaluru: Eighteen BJP MLAs were suspended for six months from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Friday for “disrespecting” Speaker U T Khader. The suspension resolution, moved by state Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil, was adopted by the Assembly. The incident occurred on the last day of the Assembly’s budget session when the opposition BJP MLAs staged a massive protest. The legislators climbed onto the podium where Speaker Khader’s chair was situated and threw papers at him. The protest was sparked by Opposition anger over the allocation of a four percent reservation to Muslims in public contracts. Earlier, the BJP members had protested from the well of the house, accusing the government of attempting to “honey trap” a minister and demanding a judicial probe into the matter, even as the Chief Minister addressed the budget discussion. Those who were suspended are the BJP chief whip Doddanna Gouda Patil, C N Ashwath Narayan, S R Vishwanath, B A Basavaraju, M...

Bengaluru : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced that there is no question of protecting anyone in connection with the honey trap row. The Chief Minister’s response came after Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly R. Ashoka, former Home Minister and BJP MLA Araga Jnanendra, MLA V. Sunil Kumar, and Minister K. N. Rajanna raised the issue of the honey trap and sought his statement. They demanded that those responsible for the case be dismissed, and a judicial inquiry should be ordered. Minister Rajanna, who also represents the Scheduled Castes, made honey trap allegations, to which state Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced that he would conduct a high-level probe into it. Also Read Siddaramaiah expresses gratitude to Karnataka people before presenting budget “The government is responsible for ensuring that justice is served and those guilty under the law are punished. If Minister Rajanna files a complaint, a high-level investigation will be co...

Bengaluru : The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), a statutory body, increased electricity prices by 36 paise per unit on Thursday, sparking a heated debate between the Congress-led government and the opposition BJP in the state. The BJP has accused the Congress of focusing solely on appeasement while neglecting the concerns about inflation. In response, the Congress has stated that the electricity price hike will not impact 85 per cent of the population, as they receive free power for up to 200 units under the Gruha Jyothi scheme. BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra remarked, “Ever since the cursed Congress-led government came to power, its only contribution to the people has been inflation. That is the only guarantee they have implemented. We have been discussing this issue for a long time. Inflation has severely affected the poor, and women are suffering the most.” “To cover up their failures, they keep claiming that the Central government is mistreating the s...

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Assembly on Wednesday passed several bills, including the one that gives legal support for electronic signatures, and enables payment of stamp duty by electronic means. The Karnataka Stamp (Amendment) Bill, 2025, piloted by Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda amends the Act of 1957, bringing digital e-stamping within the ambit of “duly stamped”. The Registration (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2025, to compulsorily register power-of-attorney authorizing transfer of immovable property with or without consideration, also piloted by the Minister, was passed by the Assembly. It also aims at compulsorily registering of documents relating to any grant of immovable property by the Government, and prove any power-of-attorney by producing it. The bill also proposes to send the documents electronically to the registering officers by the government officers, or certain public functionaries, as notified under Section 88. The Karnataka Land Grabbing Prohibition (Amendmen...

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) youth leader who is also an aspirant for the upcoming district panchayat election in Karnataka has been accused of raping a seven-year-old child. The incident reportedly occurred in a village of Siruguppa taluk, Bellary district. According to local reports, the BJP youth leader Devu Nayak allegedly blindfolded the child while she was playing, gagged her, took her to an isolated place and then committed the crime. It is also reported that a woman aided Devu Nayak in the act. Also Read BJP leader detained in connection with minor’s rape in MP’s Tikamgarh The child’s family has lodged a complaint against Devu Nayak who has been taken into custody. The child, meanwhile has undergone a medical examination. Further investigations are on. Devu Nayak is vying for a BJP ticket for the upcoming Bellary elections. He also handles the party’s social media presence. His social media accounts have photographs of him with several prominent BJP leaders. Get t...

Bengaluru: BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal was booked on Tuesday for his alleged derogatory remarks about Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was recently arrested in a gold smuggling case, police said. Based on a complaint from Akula Anuradha, the case was registered at the High Grounds police station here under Section 79 (Word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Yatnal, they added. In the FIR, the complainant accused the MLA of using derogatory remarks about the actress while speaking to the media in Vijayapura on Monday. Also Read Gold smuggling: Karnataka BJP MLA makes crude remarks on actress Ranya Rao Claiming that Rao is a multi-language actress and has respect in society, the complainant alleged in the FIR that Yatnal’s remarks against the actress were “objectionable, vulgar, and disrespectful.” Harshavardhini Ranya, also known as Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of senior Karnataka IPS officer DGP K Ramachandra R...

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal made a controversial remark about Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested for allegedly smuggling over 14 kg of gold from Dubai. Speaking to reporters, Yatnal made a crude remark stating she hid the gold “wherever she had holes.” He further claimed to have gathered detailed information about her connections, including those who facilitated her security and the smuggling operation. Yatnal also vowed to reveal the names of ministers involved in the case during the upcoming Assembly session. “I will expose everything in the session. Whoever is guilty must be held accountable, can we defend someone just because they are a central government employee? There were lapses by customs officials, and necessary action should be taken against them,” he said. VIDEO | Bengaluru: BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal on Ranya Rao gold smuggling case, says, "Will name all the ministers involved in this case in the Assembly session. I ha...

Mangaluru: Mangaluru Police seized over 37 kg of MDMA valued at Rs 75 crore, the biggest-ever drug haul in the state, a police official said on Sunday, March 16. Two South African nationals were arrested in Bengaluru in connection with this case, the official said. Addressing a press conference, Mangaluru police commissioner Anupam Agarwal stated that the operation stemmed from an earlier arrest six months ago. In September, police apprehended one Haider Ali in Pumpwell, Mangaluru, and confiscated 15 grams of MDMA from him. Subsequent investigations led authorities to a Nigerian national named Peter, who was arrested in Bengaluru with MDMA worth Rs 6 crore. Further probes pointed to an international drug network with links to traffickers using air routes between Delhi and Bengaluru, he said. Mangaluru, Karnataka: Police Commissioner, Anupam Agarwal says, "Yesterday, Mangaluru city police made the biggest ever seizure of drugs in Karnataka police history. From Mangaluru, w...

Bengaluru: Under attack by the BJP for providing a 4 per cent quota to Muslims in government tenders, the ruling Congress in Karnataka confirmed that it is all set to provide the reservation for Muslims. Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Saturday, Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar responded to various questions giving clear hints about the government’s move in this regard. Earlier, sources stated that the cabinet had approved the proposal to provide reservations for Muslims after CM Siddaramaiah made an announcement in the budget. When asked about the government’s decision to provide 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, he clarified, “Approval has been given only for contracts worth up to Rs 2 crore. No work exceeding this amount will be allocated under this quota. We are not taking away anyone’s rights.” Also Read Karnataka cabinet approves 4% quota for Muslim contractors “Don’t they also deserve a livelihood?” Shivakumar questioned. He further maintained, “W...

Bengaluru: Gold smuggling-accused actress Ranya Rao has alleged that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sleuths repeatedly slapped and hit her during custody, and demanded she sign statements under threats that they will “expose” her stepfather, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao. Ranya Rao, whose bail plea has been denied, is presently in judicial custody and the DRI, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are investigating the case. The state government has appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to look into the aspect of the involvement of DGP Ramachandra Rao and police lapses. Making the serious allegations against the DRI sleuths in a letter to the Additional Director General, DRI, on March 6 when she was being sent to the Central Jail in Bengaluru after her arrest at the Bengaluru International Airport, submitted through the jail’s Chief Superintendent of Prisons, the actress requested the ADG that no reliance be placed on any...

Seven schoolgirls were seriously injured after a gang of Holi celebrating men threw chemical-laced colours on them while they were waiting for their school bus in Lakshmeshwar town of Gadag district in Karnataka on Friday, March 15. The schoolgirls suffered suffocation and chest pain after they unknowingly inhaled and ingested traces of the colour mixture while trying to escape the men. They are currently being treated at the Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences. Seven schoolgirls were seriously injured after a gang of Holi celebrating men threw chemical-laced colours on them while they were waiting for their school bus in Lakshmeshwar town of Gadag district in Karnataka on Friday, March 15. They suffered suffocation and chest pain after… pic.twitter.com/mv3CigBFtb — The Siasat Daily (@TheSiasatDaily) March 15, 2025 According to local reports, the schoolgirls were waiting at the Suvarnagiri Tanda bus stand to appear for their exams when the motorcycle-borne group approached t...

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has decided to provide a 4 per cent reservation to Muslims in government contracts, along with oppressed and backward classes. Sources confirmed that the Cabinet has approved the proposal, and a Bill in this regard will be presented before the state legislature during the ongoing Budget Session. The Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, 1999, after amendment aims to provide 4 per cent reservation in tenders to Muslim contractors in government contracts up to Rs 1 crore, the sources stated. The Cabinet has also approved the limit for the SC, ST community which has been extended from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore. Minority leaders had submitted a request to reserve 4 per cent of contract works for Muslim contractors, similar to the reservations provided for SC, ST, and other backward communities. Considering the request, the government has decided to implement the reservation. A Cabinet meeting was held under the leadership of Chief...

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet on Friday gave its nod for amending the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act aimed at providing 4 per cent reservation in tenders to Muslim contractors, official sources said. The Cabinet also approved the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to provide ‘B’ khatas to all unauthorised rural properties, similar to the exercise being carried out in urban areas. The bill is expected to cover some 90 lakh rural properties that do not have khatas. According to the sources, the Cabinet discussed a proposal to give 4.24 acres of land belonging to the Agriculture Department in Hebbal for the International Flower Auction Bangalore (IFAB) on a rent-free basis for two years. Also Read Gold smuggling: Actor Ranya Rao’s bail rejected citing national security Discussions were also held on approving financial assistance of Rs 96.77 crore for reconstruction and replacement of equipment at Bangalore Bioinnova...

Bengaluru: The Special Court for Economic Offences in Bengaluru on Friday rejected the bail petition of jailed actress Ranya Rao in connection with the gold smuggling case. Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer DGP K Ramachandra Rao and the case has made national headlines. The Judge Vishwanath C Goudar passed the order considering the submission by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). Meanwhile, the second accused in the case, Tarun Raju’s counsel submitted the bail petition before the court and the DRI was asked to submit its objections. National security concerns The court has passed the order considering the seriousness of the case. The DRI earlier submitted to the court that the gold smuggling case involving Ranya Rao has international and hawala links, making it a matter of national security. Also Read May this festival of colours bring new enthusiasm, excitement: Rahul Gandhi Madhu Rao, senior counsel representing the DRI, argued against Ranya ...

Bengaluru : The Karnataka High Court has granted interim relief to former Chief Minister and BJP Central Parliamentary Committee member B.S. Yediyurappa in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case by staying the summons requiring his personal appearance before the First Fast Track Court on March 15. The bench headed by Pradeep Singh Yerur passed the order on Friday while considering Yediyurappa’s petition to quash the charge sheet filed against him. The court observed that a comprehensive investigation was needed in the case and, accordingly, stayed both the summons and the court’s cognizance of the matter. Senior counsel C.V. Nagesh, appearing for Yediyurappa, argued that the High Court had previously granted interim relief in the case. He further stated that the IT section in the FIR would apply to the complainant rather than Yediyurappa, as he had not deleted the conversation from the mobile phone belonging to the victim’s mother. Also Read Karnataka co...

Bengaluru : The Codava National Council (CNC) approached the National Women’s Commission (NCW) on Thursday demanding action against the Congress MLA Ravikumar Ganiga for controversial statements on popular actress Rashmika Mandanna. Council President N.U. Nachappa has written a letter regarding this matter to NCW Chairperson Vijaya K Rahatkar. Earlier, Nachappa had written a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara. “The Council urges the NCW to take stringent action against Ganiga for his atrocious behaviour towards actress Rashmika Mandanna,” the letter read. Also Read Congress MLA targets Rashmika Mandanna over absence at film fest “MLA Ganiga has been targeting Rashmika, who belongs to the minuscule Micro Kodava tribal community, using Kannada language chauvinism and ethnic hegemony to create unrest and further terrorise her,” said Nachappa. “On March 7, the council, being the torchbearer movement of indigenous Kodavas, wrote t...