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Time of India
16 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
MLC urges transport min to upgrade KSRTC bus stand
Mangaluru: MLC Manjunath Bhandary urged transport minister Ramalinga Reddy to upgrade and develop the KSRTC bus station into a high-tech bus terminal and to initiate the operation of electric buses. The bus station, located in the heart of Mangaluru, was approved in 1980 and constructed with an estimated grant of Rs 60 lakh in 1986. In a letter to the minister, Bhandary requested that the bus station be upgraded to a high-tech bus terminal with modern facilities, similar to those in other districts, with an estimated grant of Rs 120 crore, along with the initiation of electric bus operations in the city. Mangaluru is one of the major commercial cities in the country, serving as a port city and a significant trading hub in Karnataka, due to its conducive commercial activities. Thousands of people from across the country and abroad visit the city daily for tourism and educational purposes. Currently, the bus station spans 3.6 acres, with a terminal building covering 4,702sqm, a commercial area of 814sqm, a two-wheeler parking area of 305sqm, a car parking area of 608sqm, an autorickshaw stand of 171sqm, and restrooms of 1,564sqm. The letter details that over the past 39 years, the station was maintained with minimal funding, with no efforts made to upgrade it with modern facilities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Approximately 585 buses from various sectors arrive and depart from the station daily, with around 25,000 passengers relying on it directly and indirectly. Mangaluru, being one of the cities with the highest tax-paying individuals and organisations through various industries, demands an upgrade to the station's capacity in line with the times, similar to high-tech bus terminals in other states, Bhandary urged. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Don't label persons with criminal background as Hindu activist: Bhandary
Mangaluru: KPCC working president and MLC Manjunath Bhandary strongly objected to individuals with criminal backgrounds being referred to as Hindu activists. He told reporters on Wednesday, that those affiliated with right-wing organisations like the Bajrang Dal or others should be identified by their organisation name, and not as representatives of the Hindu community. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "We too are Hindus, I identify myself as a Congress functionary. It is unacceptable to misuse religion for political gain and to shield those spreading hatred," he said. He expressed dismay that individuals facing multiple criminal cases and even externment proceedings were being referred to as Hindu leaders. Referring to the recent murder of Abdul Rahiman, Bhandary highlighted the irony that Rahiman previously donated blood to the father of one of the accused. "He was called under the pretext to provide sand and was then assaulted. Isn't this betrayal? Hindu leaders must condemn such acts as they go against the core values of Hinduism and the Constitution," he said. Criticising the BJP, Bhandary said the party failed to counter the Congress on the development front, and has hence resorted to backdoor politics by sowing the seeds of communal hatred in the minds of people. "The murder of Abdul Rahiman was an outcome of such brainwashing, and those engaged in such acts should also be punished," he said. He also voiced concern that such incidents were tarnishing the image of coastal Karnataka. "Though these incidents are concentrated within a 10km radius of Mangaluru, the entire region is being unfairly portrayed. This, at a time when the govt is preparing to boost tourism and attract investments to the coast," he said. Referring to the Dakshina Kannada district police initiating the process of externment against 36 people, he said that one must note that a majority belong to two taluks. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Bhandary said that the KPCC fact-finding committee comprising MP Syed Naseer Hussain, MLA NA Haris, MLC Manjunath Bhandary, AICC secretary Roji M John, KPCC vice-president VR Sudarshan, former minister Kimmane Ratnakar, and former MP K Jayaprakash Hegde will tour the coastal districts from Thursday. The team will study the socio-political atmosphere and meet senior Congress leaders, the deputy commissioner, police commissioner, SP, business figures, religious leaders, labour unions, intellectuals, artists, and civil society members. They will also visit affected areas and meet families of victims before submitting a report.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
BJP minister's remarks against Col Sofiya condemned
Mangaluru: KPCC working president and MLC Manjunath Bhandary strongly condemned the remarks made by BJP minister from Madhya Pradesh Kunwar Vijay Shah against Col Sofiya Qureshi . He demanded that the minister be booked for told reporters on Wednesday, "Sofiya is the pride of Karnataka. She is our daughter-in-law and a decorated officer. The BJP minister's statement reflects his regressive mindset."Responding to allegations that a rowdy was appointed president of the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple management committee, Bhandary clarified that he looked into the matter. "Yes, there was a case against Harish Injadi in the past, but he was acquitted. There are no pending cases against him now," he asked about Congress leader Amala Ramachandra's alleged derogatory post against the Prime Minister, Bhandary said he was not aware of the post and would look into also condemned provocative social media posts, especially on WhatsApp being circulated in the name of writer and activist Chakravarthi Sulibele even as Operation Sindoor was ongoing. Further, calling for accountability and transparency, Bhandary reiterated the Congress demand to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, and the ceasefire announcement.
Hans India
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Communal Politics Eroding Mangaluru's Global Image, Warns Congress Leader
Mangaluru: Karnataka Congress MLC and KPCC working president Manjunath Bhandary has strongly criticised what he described as the communalisation of violence in Dakshina Kannada, warning that the ongoing unrest is damaging Mangaluru's reputation on the global stage. Speaking at a press meet on Monday, Bhandary lamented that Mangaluru — a city once known for its educational institutions and scenic beauty — is increasingly making headlines for all the wrong reasons. 'From pub attacks to church assaults and disruptions of birthday parties, the pattern of violence is disturbing. The world is watching, and Mangaluru's image has been auctioned off in the name of religion,' he said. Bhandary lashed out at the BJP, accusing its leaders of romanticising rowdy elements involved in violent crimes. 'When murderers and robbers walk free, they are garlanded. If they are killed in gang rivalries, they are suddenly hailed as Hindu heroes and patriots. What message are we sending to society?' he asked. He also recalled a recent incident in Bantwal where a missing child case was, according to him, falsely projected as a communal issue. 'Senior BJP leaders rushed to the family, fuelling mistrust, only to quietly vanish once the boy returned home,' he added. Calling for introspection within the BJP, Bhandary said communal tensions were being deliberately stirred ahead of elections, even as people continued to struggle with core issues like jobs, inflation, and public safety. 'Let's not politicise the tragic killing of a young Hindu man. Instead, let's sit together and work for the development of this district,' he urged. He welcomed the state government's plan to convene an all-party meeting on promoting tourism in Dakshina Kannada and called on all stakeholders to focus on rebuilding trust and progress. Several local Congress leaders including Mithun Rai, Padmaraj R, Inayat Ali, Harish Kumar, and Shalet Pinto were present during the briefing.
