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Time of India
26-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tunnel vision sparks turf war between Kumaraswamy, Shivakumar over Bengaluru's future
Bengaluru: The political rivalry between deputy CM DK Shivakumar and Union minister HD Kumaraswamy of JD(S) has spilled into Bengaluru's infrastructure space, as both pitch competing underground road projects to tackle the city's traffic mess. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While Shivakumar is pushing ahead with his tunnel road project, Kumaraswamy has pitched an alternative: An ultra-modern underground road network (UMURN). Earlier this week, he met Union minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi to discuss the proposal. He has also proposed support for the Peripheral Ring Road to decongest the central business district. "This transformative infrastructure will serve as the backbone of Bengaluru's future urban mobility," Kumaraswamy said in a memorandum to Gadkari. Both proposals aim to decongest Bengaluru's notorious traffic, improve long-term connectivity, and fuel economic growth. But observers say the duel is as much about political one-upmanship as it is about urban planning, with both vying to be the dominant Vokkaliga face in Karnataka politics. There have been past flashpoints. The row around NICE corridor and the govt's decision to rename Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South were moves widely seen as political signalling. Taking a swipe at Shivakumar's project, Kumaraswamy said, "This 'piecemeal approach' would not solve the gigantic problem of mobility in the city. What we need is a comprehensive mobility solution that is not just futuristic, but also growth-oriented in sync with the city's brand equity as a global destination. The proposed UMURN is scientifically designed and seeks to adopt cutting-edge technology. It is aimed at reducing carbon footprint while ensuring commercial, industrial and economic growth. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now MoRTH minister Gadkari's response to the proposal was positive." This drew a sharp reaction from Shivakumar, who accused Kumaraswamy of trying to create confusion. "Let Kumaraswamy explain the difference between the tunnel road project and this UMURN he is talking about," he said. "Both are underground road infrastructure projects to ensure seamless mobility linking critical points of the city. If he is sincere, then he should ensure central govt funds for Bengaluru's development instead of indulging in gimmicks like this. " Shivakumar said the tunnel road is already at an "advanced stage", with cabinet approval secured in May. "We'll soon invite global tenders for the first phase of 16.7km dubbed the North-South Corridor that links Esteem Mall at Hebbal Junction to Central Silk Board Junction in HSR Layout. The estimated cost is Rs 17,780 crore," he said. BJP, meanwhile, has thrown its weight behind its NDA partner. "We are all along opposed to the tunnel road project on various grounds including its extravagant cost even without being able to scientifically address mobility issues. Let the govt strengthen the public transport system including Metro, which has emerged as the lifeline of the city, before embarking on a misadventure like tunnel road," said PC Mohan, BJP MP from Bengaluru Central. But experts are unconvinced with both plans. YN Yellappa Reddy, former secretary, department of ecology and environment, said: "The city's terrain is predominantly rock, especially Dharwar shilt, an ancient rock formation which is harder than diamond. Blasting it would cause artificial seismic waves. Besides, the project would adversely impact groundwater and vegetation on the surface."


Time of India
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Yathindra: Siddaramaiah will complete five-year term as CM
Mysuru: MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of CM Siddaramaiah, on Wednesday stated that Congress high command has not given any deadline to his father. He stated that Siddaramaiah will complete a full five-year term. "There is no danger for his CM post. He will complete the term," Yathindra told reporters. He also stated that the Delhi meeting was convened to discuss the deadlock over caste census. "During the discussion, the Bengaluru stampede issue was also discussed," he said. He accused BJP and JD(S) of following double standards while demanding the resignation of CM Siddaramaiah for the stampede. Similar stampedes claimed lives during Kumbh Mela and at Tirupati, but the BJP is silent on both the incidents. However, the Karnataka govt has ordered a judicial investigation into the Bengaluru stampede. "Truth will come after the investigation," he said. "How many leaders have resigned for stampede deaths in BJP and NDA-ruled states? Has the BJP taken any action against those who are responsible?" he asked.


News18
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
BJP Ally JDS Demands Ban On Kamal Haasan's Thug Life In Karnataka Amid Kannada Remark Row
Last Updated: JD(S) demanded a ban on Kamal Haasan's "Thug Life" in Karnataka, accusing him of hurting Kannadigas' pride by linking Kannada's origins to Tamil. Amid the Kannada remark row, the Janata Dal (Secular) on Thursday demanded that the Karnataka government should impose a ban on the film 'Thug Life", by actor Kamal Hasan, saying that the actor has 'hurt the self-esteem of Kannadigas". This comes after Kamal Hasan landed in a controversy while attending the Thug Life audio launch event in Chennai, where he made a statement linking the origins of the Kannada language to Tamil. In a post on X, the JD(S) said that, 'The film by this language offender, who made childish and arrogant statements about the origin of the Kannada language, is set to release in the state on June 5. No permission should be granted for the screening of this film under any circumstances, and Kamal Haasan must be taught a lesson." The party emphasised that the state government must send a warning to those who speak against Kannada land and language, affirming that we stand for the Kannada language. While urging the government to 'teach a lesson" to the South actor, the JD(S) said, 'Kannadigas are tolerant. However, they will not tolerate any harm to their self-respect regarding Kannada land, language, culture, or heritage. The government will punish those who speak lightly against Kannada." Kamal Hasan had said, 'Actor Shivarajkumar is my family living in another state. That's why he is here. That's why when I started my speech, I said 'my life and my family are Tamil'. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil. So you are included in that line." Haasan is currently gearing up for the release of Thug Life. The film follows the tale of Rangaraaya Sakthivel, a merciless gang leader portrayed by Kamal Haasan, and his brother Manickam. After a fierce confrontation, Sakthivel saves a young boy named Amaran and raises him like his own son. However, when an assassination attempt is made on Sakthivel, suspicion falls on Amaran, setting off a gripping story of revenge and shifting loyalties. First Published: May 29, 2025, 13:06 IST


Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Cong gains majority in Manmul board, court halts VP result
Mandya: Congress gained an upper hand in the JD(S) stronghold of Mandya as its supporter Shivakumar , was elected unopposed as the president of Mandya District Co-operative Milk Producers' Union (Manmul). However, the election for the post of vice president was halted as JD(S) approached the high court. Two candidates, Krishnegowda from Congress and Raghunandan from JD(S), contested the polls. Although the election process was conducted, the result is awaited as JD(S) brought a stay from the high court. The stay was granted in response to a petition challenging Krishnegowda's election during the polls to elect the director of Manmul. As the case remains under judicial consideration, the returning officer withheld further processes, including the counting of votes. Despite the legal uncertainties, both Shivakumar and Krishnegowda will continue serving as directors until the court delivers its final verdict. In a twist to what was expected to be a straightforward victory for Congress-backed candidates, the JD(S) fielded a last-minute nomination, turning the vice president race into an unexpected contest. Initial expectations were that Congress candidates would be elected unopposed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Additional DC also confirmed the stay. Manmul board elections was held on Feb 2, for the 12 director posts. Of these, six were won by Congress-backed candidates, three by JD(S), and one by a BJP-supported candidate. Additionally, two JD(S) rebels—K Ravi and MB Harish from KR Pete taluk, have since pledged support to Congress, effectively raising the Congress-aligned tally to eight. Alongside the 12 elected directors, five other members hold voting rights: one nominated director (RN Vishwas from Malavalli) and representatives from the registrar of co-operative societies, Karnataka milk federation, department of animal husbandry, and the national dairy development board. These officials typically align with the ruling party, further boosting Congress' influence to a 13-member majority on the board. Mandya district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy spearheaded the Congress campaign in the region, particularly in his home constituency of Nagamangala, where Congress candidates won both director seats. On Thursday, a key strategy meeting in Bengaluru, led by district Congress committee president CD Gangadhar and Cheluvarayaswamy finalised Shivakumar and Krishnegowda as candidates for the top posts. Meanwhile, Congress supporters began celebrations following the unofficial results. The festivities were led by local MLA Ravikumar, even though the leadership change awaits formal confirmation due to the ongoing court case.


Deccan Herald
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Flying a few planes is not the solution to killing of 26 men: Karnataka Congress MLA
The Opposition BJP and JD(S) slammed the Congress lawmaker for 'insulting' the Indian armed forces.