‘Hindu’ remark: BJP plans rally in Belagavi today

Belagavi: Strongly condemning the statement of KPCC working president Satish Jarkiholi about ‘Hindu’ word, BJP has planned a protest rally here on Wednesday, demanding unconditional apology from him. The party functionaries told reporters here on Tuesday that Congress was never with the Hindus. “Congress has always been against the Hindus, and Jarkiholi’s statement reflects the same,” they said. BJP’s Belagavi district (Rural) president Sanjay Patil asked how fair it is calling Hindu as ‘dirty’. “If Jarkiholi brings proof, I’m ready for an open discussion with him on this. Many have written about the greatness of Hindu culture,” he said. RS member Iranna Kadadi said although Jarkiholi is demanding investigation into his statement, it can’t be done due to legal hurdles. BJP national spokesperson advocate M B Zirali, MLA Anil Benake and others were present.
Workshop on 3D laparoscopy held
Dharwad: SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital has conducted a workshop on ‘GYN 3D ENDO Laparoscopy’ with 3D relay. Inaugurating the workshop, SDM University vicew-chancellor Dr Niranjankumar said the main advantage of the using 3D relay is that the operating time as well as the complications will be less compared to the existing2D laparoscopy as it is more precise. Over 250 delegates from north Karnataka participated in the workshop. Dr Vivek Salunke from Mumbai, Dr Sandesh Kade from Sholapur, Dr Gnanasanker Natesan from Salem and Dr Shailesh Gokavi from Hubballi, being the resource persons, demonstrated the operation with support from the team of Dr Shrirang V Torgal of department of anaesthesia.
ST status sought for Kuruba community
Hubballi: Parishishta Pangada Kurubara Meesalati Andolana Okkoota has urged chief minister Basavaraj Bommai to accord ST status to Kuruba community on Kanaka Jayanti. Community leader Shivanand Muttanavar told reporters here on Tuesday that for several years, the community has been seeking reservation and also submitted a petition in this regard. “Ministers should also raise their voice in favour of the reservation. If it is not given, we will stage protests across the state,” he said. Basavaraj Devaru of Revanasiddeshwar Maha Mutt said Kuruba community has its own history. “Members of the community are deprived of access to education, employment and other facilities in various fields. So giving ST status will benefit them. If our demand is not met, protests will be staged after Kanaka Jayanti,” he warned.
Ryots threaten to contest assembly polls
Dharwad: Sugarcane growers and Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha have urged the state government to ensure that the Fair Remunrative Price (FRP) for sugarcane is enhanced and all sugar factories pay within seven days the dues they owe to farmers for supplying sugarcane. KRRS honorary president Chamaras Malipatil told reporters here farmers will intensify their protest if the government fails to meet the demands. He said all political parties, which come to power by promising moon to farmers, fail to fulfil their minimum and just demands. “In a bid to teach them a lesson, farmers, who are not affiliated to any political party, will contest the forthcoming assembly elections, and candidates will be fielded in 100 constituencies,” Malipatil said. Farmer leader B Nagendra alleged the government has failed to act against sugar factories that have violated rules and are delaying paying dues to farmers.
Mass unity convention on Dec 6
Hubballi: Dalit Sangharsha Samitigala Aikya Horata Chalana Samiti is organising a mass unity convention on December 6 in Bengaluru to mark Mahaparinirvan Din. Samiti’s Guruprasad Keregodu told reporters here on Tuesday that the convention will be held at National College grounds in Bengaluru. More than two lakh people from across the state are expected to attend the convention. Claiming that Dalit community is neglected in the country, he said they are not given suitable status. “The samiti is organising the mass unity convention to create awareness among dalits and the backward class people on the issue,” he said, and appealed to MLAs and ministers to quit if they can’t give dalits their due.
RTC employees list their demands
Hubballi: Joint Action Committee of Labour Organisations of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporations general secretary said there are around 16,000 posts vacant in all four transport corporations. But the government is planning to purchase 6,000 buses, which will burden the existing staff, he told reporters here on Tuesday. He urged that the government to take measures to fill vacancies in the transport department. Mismanagement, and poor planning of policies are hurting corporation employees. In the state-level convention of labourers held here on Monday, the committee listed 13 demands, including salary hikes, medical facilities, and promotions. “The government should heed those demands immediately, failing which labourers, including drivers and conductors, will stage protests and give calls for bus strikes,” he added.