Latest news with #JagadishShettar
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
BJP MP calls environmental activists as ‘agents of Goa government', told to apologise
Environment activists protesting against Mahadayi basin projects in Karnataka have demanded an apology from BJP MP Jagadish Shettar for calling them 'agents of Goa government'. 'The statement by Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar, branding eminent environmentalists of Belagavi as 'agents of the Goa government', is not only shameful, it is a deliberate attack on truth, dignity, and the democratic voice of the people. The MP should immediately issue a public apology,' activist Sujit Mulgund said in Belagavi on June 2. He told reporters that the activists who Mr. Shettar had termed agents are respected personalities who had worked hard for decades to protect and preserve the environment. They include Dileep Kamat who has been involved in selfless activism for over 60 years. He has worked with Baba Amte and saved 80,000 acres of forest from exploitation by corporates and others. Shivajirao Kaganikar, who is known as the 'Water Man of North Karnataka' He has been honoured with the Rajyotsava and Devraj Urs awards. He is a Gandhian, and has been a relentless advocate of justice to the deprived classes, rainwater harvesting, and afforestation Lieutenant General Srikrishna Sardeshpande a war hero, awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and the Rajyotsava Award, who laid the groundwork for Bhimgad, Kodachadri, and Mhadei conservation zones with his environmental activism. 'The activists also include Colonel Ravindra Saini, Captain Nitin Dhond, Nyla Coelho, and Sharada Gopal. They comprise social activists, scientists, social reformers, educators, all sons and daughters of this soil who are tirelessly working to protect the environment,' he said. 'These are not outsiders. They are the soul of Belagavi, guardians of our forests, rivers, and communities. They have received awards from successive governments, including the Parisara Mitra Award and commendations from Chief Ministers. Mr. Shettar has no right to insult them. These environmental warriors have achieved what politicians only promise. They have protected our land without asking for votes or power. Mr. Shettar's attack reeks of political insecurity, and an attempt to deflect from the real issue — illegal deforestation, ecological destruction, and political nexus with land-grabbing interests,' Mr. Mulgund said. Raju Topannanvar, activist, said that the 'Save Water, Save Western Ghats' movement will organise a rally in Belagavi on June 3 to protest against the Mahadayi basin projects. 'We are doing this for the environment. Not for any party, not for Goa, not for votes. We will march for truth, forests, water, and future generations. Let the people judge who is truly serving Belagavi and who is serving vested interests,' Mr. Topannanavar said. He said that Ridhima Pandey, a 17-year-old climate activist from Haridwar, would join the rally. 'Her journey of activism began in 2017 when she filed a petition against the government of India for failing to fulfil its commitments under the Paris Agreement. In 2019, Ridhima joined 15 other children, including Greta Thunberg, in a historic lawsuit at the United Nations against five countries —Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, and Turkey — for violating the rights of children through inaction on climate change,' Mr. Topannanavar said.
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
HC judgement an embarrassment to State govt: Jagadish Shettar
Karnataka High Court judgement annulling the State government's decision to withdraw cases against some persons who had attacked a police station in old Hubballi, has caused embarrassment to the State government, Jagadish Shettar, MP and former Chief Minister, said on Thursday 'The High Court has quashed the decision of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Cabinet to withdraw the case of the accused who attacked the police station in old Hubballi. This shows that the Congress policy of minority appeasement is not acceptable. The earlier BJP government and its officials had taken strict legal action against the accused involved in the old Hubballi case. But the Congress government withdrew the cases. Some persons approached the High Court questioning this,' he told reporters. 'The High Court has pronounced the right judgement. I suspect that Chief Minister had not even consulted the law department. All those who were involved in the attack were Muslims and the State government's plans to withdraw the cases has been struck down,' he said. Mr. Shettar said that the State government's decision to divert water from Hidkal dam to Dharwad was not right. To a query, he said he had not influenced the decision in favour of Dharwad. 'It is strange that the decision was taken by keeping the district in charge Minister in the dark. The State government should clarify its stand,' he said. He said that the State government was taking undue credit for the development of the Saundatti Yallamma temple, though most of the funds were released by the Union government.
NDTV
11-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Karnataka's 11th Vande Bharat Express To Link Bengaluru And Belagavi. Check Details
Karnataka is set to welcome its 11th Vande Bharat Express, a semi-high-speed train connecting Bengaluru and Belagavi, enhancing connectivity in the state. Approved by the Railway Ministry, this new service addresses long-standing public demand for a premium rail link between these two cities. Contrary to earlier speculations, it will not be an extension of the existing Bengaluru–Hubballi–Dharwad Vande Bharat but a dedicated service. The service is expected to benefit daily commuters, students, professionals, and business travellers by improving connectivity and reducing travel time in the Kittu,r Karnataka region. The initiative was confirmed by Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar, who, along with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and others, had urged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for this service. A trial run was conducted in November 2023, initially considering an extension of the Dharwad route, but a new train was approved instead. On X, Mr Shettar expressed delight and gratitude to the central government for approving the new Vande Bharat Express. See the tweet here: ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಧಾರವಾಡ ನಡುವೆ ಸದ್ಯ ಸಂಚರಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ "ವಂದೇ ಭಾರತ ಎಕ್ಸಪ್ರೆಸ್ ರೈಲು" ಸೇವೆಯನ್ನು ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ನಗರದ ವರೆಗೆ ವಿಸ್ತರಿಸುವ ಕುರಿತಾದ ನಮ್ಮ ಬೇಡಿಕೆಯ ಬದಲು, ಬೆಳಗಾವಿಯಿಂದ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ವರೆಗೆ ಹೊಸದೊಂದು ವಂದೇ ಭಾರತ ಎಕ್ಸಪ್ರೆಸ್ ರೈಲು ಚಲಿಸಲಾಗುವ ಕುರಿತು ಅಗತ್ಯ ಅನುಮೋದನೆ / ಆದೇಶ ನೀಡಿರುವ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ರೇಲ್ವೆ ಸಚಿವರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ… — Jagadish Shettar (@JagadishShettar) May 9, 2025 Route and Stops: The new Bengaluru-Belagavi Vande Bharat Express will operate daily, starting from Belagavi in the morning and returning from Bengaluru in the afternoon. It will stop at key stations, including Londa, Dharwad, Hubballi, Haveri, Davangere, Tumakuru, and Yeshwantpur. Travel Time and Fare: While exact timings and the commercial launch date are yet to be announced, tentative fares are estimated at approximately Rs 1,500 for Chair Car and Rs 2,500 for Executive Class. The service aims to reduce travel time, offering a faster, more comfortable journey. Maintenance: Primary maintenance will be conducted in Belagavi, with the train initially comprising eight coaches, expandable based on passenger demand. With this addition, the state will have 11 Vande Bharat trains. Currently, the network includes five trains originating from Bengaluru, connecting to Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, and Madurai. Mysuru has two trains to Chennai via Bengaluru, while Mangaluru has two trains to Madgaon and Thiruvananthapuram. Hubballi is connected to Pune with one train, and this new Bengaluru-Belagavi train will further enhance connectivity within the state.
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Belagavi gets its own Vande Bharat Express from Bengaluru; Not an extension of Dharwad route
In a major boost to rail connectivity between north Karnataka and Bengaluru, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the launch of a new Vande Bharat Express between Belagavi and Bengaluru. Dispelling earlier speculation, the new train will not be an extension of the existing Bengaluru–Hubballi–Dharwad Vande Bharat service. Also Read - What is 'Sanchari Cauvery'? Bengaluru's new government-run water tanker service explained Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar confirmed the development, highlighting that the demand for a high-speed rail link from Belagavi to the state capital has finally been addressed. For months, there were reports suggesting that the existing Vande Bharat running between Bengaluru and Dharwad might be extended to Belagavi. However, due to concerns over inconvenient timings, a dedicated train was sanctioned instead. Taking to social media platform X, Shettar shared the update, calling it a "matter of great joy" and noting that Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and V. Somanna were actively involved in pushing for this proposal through multiple rounds of discussions with the Railway Ministry. According to the tentative schedule, the train will start from Belagavi early in the morning and reach Bengaluru by midday. It will then depart from Bengaluru in the afternoon and return to Belagavi by night — a timetable expected to benefit daily commuters, students, professionals, and business travellers. The excat timings are yet to be announced. Also Read - Indian armed forces capable of giving fitting reply to Pakistan: DK Shivakumar This marks the 11th Vande Bharat Express to operate in Karnataka, and with this addition, Bengaluru will now be connected by Vande Bharat services to seven major cities: Mysuru, Chennai, Ernakulam, Hyderabad, Dharwad, Coimbatore, and Belagavi. The move is expected to significantly reduce travel time and enhance comfort for passengers commuting between north Karnataka and the state's capital.
The Hindu
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Overwhelming support to Operation Sindoor
Several politicians, including BJP MP Jagadish Shettar and Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, various organisations and ex-servicemen have welcomed the Indian Army's attack on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and Pakistan. Mr. Shettar said that through the air strike, India has given a befitting reply to Pakistan and the terror outfits through Operation Sindoor. 'Our military has shown that India is always for peace but it will not keep quiet against barbaric acts against its people,' he said and added that it has become possible because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Mr. Shettar said that the Congress, however, is chanting the peace mantra for the sake of appeasement politics which is a matter of great concern. Ms. Hebbalkar has congratulated the army for its action against terror outfits and said that the State government fully endorses the decision taken by the Union government on the issue. 'We have already stated that we will be with the Indian government on issues concerning the country's security and our government and the Congress will continue to stand with the Union government on such issues,' she has said. Lauding the army personnel for their brave action against terror outfits, she said that the military action will give some relief to the families who lost their dear ones in the Pahalgam attack. The government has taken all necessary steps to prevent any untoward incident in the State and it is time to wage a united war against the menace of terrorism, she said. Hubballi-Dharwad Central MLA Mahesh Tenginakai has said that the army through its Operation Sindoor has shown the significance of Sindoor for Bharat Matha to Pakistan-supported terrorists. He emphasised the need for a united fight against acts of terrorism. Mr. Tenginakai lambasted the Congress for its advice on peace. Even when terrorists have killed innocent tourists, the Congress is chanting peace mantra which is indicative of its appeasement politics, he said. State secretary of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) Basavaraj Pujar has welcomed the air strike by the army on terrorist hideouts in POK and Pakistan. During the all-party meeting, all political parties extended full support to the decision to be taken by the Union government which shows the country's unity in the fight against terrorism, he said and added that India should pressurise Pakistan to extradite terrorists who massacred tourists at Pahalgam and stop the country from further extending support to terror outfits. Meanwhile, various organisations, including that of ex-servicemen, celebrated the success of Operation Sindoor and welcomed the government's decision to fight terrorism.
