Here are the big stories from Karnataka today
The Hindu
Welcome to the Karnataka Today newsletter, your guide from The Hindu on the major news stories to follow today.
A total of 98 BJP leaders from across India, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman, are in poll-bound Karnataka today to participate in ‘Maha Prachar Abhiyan’, a mega two-day publicity drive.
Part of it is the road show and public rally in Mandya by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, marking his maiden appearance in Karnataka to campaign for the 2023 Assembly elections.
Adityanath’s presence points to the concerted efforts by the BJP to make inroads into the Vokkaliga heartland of Mandya, which is also a JD(S) bastion. The visit also has a religious connotation, which the BJP is trying to exploit: the UP CM as well as the Adichunchanagiri mutt, both bear allegiance to the Naath Sampradaya, or tradition.
Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar addressed mediapersons in Mysuru on April 26, attacking the BJP and the Basavaraj Bommai government for ‘unpardonable sins’ of hoodwinking people in the name of reservation to Lingayats, Vokkaligas, SCs/STs, OBCs and minorities.
The leaders claimed that the ‘40% commission government’ would be relegated to just 40 seats in the Assembly elections because of alleged ‘injustices’.
While raising the question why the 50% ceiling on reservation was not increased in Karnataka as in Tamil Nadu, D.K. Shivakumar assured “justice to all.”
Taking offence at Union Home Minister Amit Shah for saying that there would be riots in Karnataka if the Congress came to power, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge has threatened to complain to Election Commission of India against Mr. Shah.
Encroachments around Tiruchi's Fort Gateway cleared by ASI following a Madras High Court order, enhancing heritage protection efforts.
A 76-year-old man's body was found after family struggled financially, remaining with him for three days before police intervened.
SDPI critiques BJP's three-decade lack of development in Dakshina Kannada, highlighting failures in major projects and infrastructure improvements.
Road & Buildings dept. registers record-breaking progress in two years
27,277 nominations filed for 4,158 sarpanch posts under third phase
Rights organizations demand transparency from the Andhra Pradesh government regarding the confidential MoU with Google for a data center.
Parents and students protest in Varuna against the closure of local government schools amidst government merger plans.
Scholar emphasises that without social and economic equality, political democracy becomes meaningless and vulnerable to authoritarianism.
Eight arrested in Hyderabad with 16 kg of ganja and illegal liquor during coordinated raids by the Telangana Excise Department.
Kerala women, facing rising crime and misrule, are poised to voice their concerns through the ballot, says Jebi Mather.
Minister Kandula Durgesh announces efforts to establish the National School of Drama in Andhra Pradesh to enhance cultural institutions.
G.K. Mani reports S. Ramadoss filed a complaint against Anbumani for allegedly submitting fake documents to the Election Commission.
AIDSO leads protests against Karnataka's proposed school closures.