Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

Karnataka Today newsletter: Murugha mutt seer arrested again in second POCSO case, and more

Several important leaders and legislators from the BJP will join the Congress, Laxman Savadi, former Deputy CM and Athani MLA, said in Bagalkot on November 19. Clarifying that this is not an operation by the ruling party in the State, he said the leaders were joining the Congress as they are tired of the internal politics of the BJP. “Wait till January 26 and see (what happens),” he said.

Mr. Savadi said that not choosing a leader from north Karnataka as president of the State unit would prove costly for the BJP. Though the party claims to have the support of Lingayats from across Karnataka and people from the community are concentrated in northern Karnataka, they have not been given representation in the BJP, he said.

Karnataka is suffering from a severe drought and has declared a majority of taluks as drought-hit. However, the Union Government is not supporting the beleaguered State’s drought relief efforts, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said.

“We wrote to the Centre seeking approval for extension of MNREGA person days. But the Centre neither responded, nor provided approval. We wrote a letter seeking modification of NDRF norms to increase compensation to farmers, but there was no response. Over a month ago, the Centre sent a team of officials to inspect the drought situation in Karnataka, but we have not got any compensation till now,” he said.

Sri Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru, facing charges of sexually exploiting minor girls — who was released on bail following a High Court order — was arrested again in connection with the second case under PoCSO Act on November 20, and has been remanded in judicial custody till December 2.

Soon after the receipt of non-bailable warrant against the seer, the Chitradurga Rural Police went to Virakta Mutt in Davanagere, where the seer was staying after being released from the prison on November 16. The seer has been barred from entering Chitradurga district under the bail conditions.

With the Purple Line of Namma Metro fully operational, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has introduced new feeder routes connecting various metro stations to enhance last-mile connectivity. Starting November 20, BMTC has introduced seven new metro feeder services in north Bengaluru. The new routes are MF-23E, MF-25 and MF 27.