Latest news with #Shettar
The Hindu
2 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.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Shettar welcomes HC order quashing govt move to withdraw riot-related cases
Belagavi: Former chief minister and Belagavi MP welcomed the Karnataka high court's decision to set aside the state government's order to withdraw 43 criminal cases including those related to the 2022 Hubballi riots. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Addressing the media on Thursday, Shettar termed the high court's verdict a 'strong rebuke' to the Siddaramaiah-led government. "This is a big slap on the face of the government, which seems to have acted without following due legal process. Before making such a decision, it is essential to consult the legal department. It appears that proper procedure was not followed," he said. The senior BJP leader criticised the state government's decision to withdraw cases, alleging that the move was driven by appeasement politics. "Most of the accused in these cases are Muslims. If the govt keeps favouring them in criminal matters, how will lessons be learned? There must be consequences for unlawful actions," he said. Shettar also expressed concern over what he described as the weakening of law and order in Karnataka. "This kind of approach encourages fringe elements and erodes the public's fear of law. The rising incidents of rape and murder in the state are a reflection of that," he added.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
It will be a new Vande Bharat Express from Belagavi not an extension, says Shettar
Contrary to the earlier decision to extend the existing Dharwad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express to Belagavi, the Railway Board has decided to run a new Vande Bharat Express Train between Belagavi and Bengaluru. In a press release, BJP MP Jagadish Shettar has said that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has communicated giving approval for running a new Vande Bharat from Belagavi to Bengaluru instead of extending the existing Dharwad-Bengaluru train to Belagavi. Expressing happiness over the decision, Mr. Shettar has said that previously during meetings with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav held in the presence of Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi, he, along with the Ministers, had emphasised the need for extension and subsequently, it was agreed upon to extend the existing train. Now, it has been communicated that there will be a new train instead, which is a welcome move, he said. As per information provided by the authorities, the new Vande Bharat Express will leave Belagavi in the morning and return from Bengaluru in the afternoon. This will greatly benefit the people of the region, he said. Mr. Shettar has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnav, Pralhad Joshi and V. Somanna for the decision and urged them to fix an early date for launching the new service.
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.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
IMEX industrial exhibition logo unveiled
Pro-Chancellor of KLE Technological University Ashok Shettar unveiled a logo for the IMEX-Hubballi Industrial Exhibition and Ratna Award Ceremony in Hubballi on Sunday. The event is scheduled for May 16-19. 'I am confident that excellent companies will participate in the fair and provide information about their products. There are a lot of entrepreneurs in this area too and their success stories should be a motivation for new entrepreneurs,' Prof. Shettar said. 'The signs of people coming into the industry for the next generation are not getting worse. The success stories of our industry should be inspiring for them. We should take the lead in sowing big dreams in them. At least one person in the family should be able to participate in the industry. Even now, it is easy to set up a business. If you provide quality products, customers will be satisfied. Then, the industry will progress,' he said. CEO of Vibhava Industries Nandkumar H.N. said that industrial activities in the Hubballi region gained momentum after the 1990s. 'As the government changes, industrial policies change. The flow of funds increases and decreases. In the recent years, industries were established and they are moving towards development. If more entrepreneurs and industries are to be established here, promotion work should be increased,' he said. Event chairman J.C. Mathad said that this year, 16 people were selected for the awards of the Entrepreneur Ratna Award in eight categories. 'We have selected entrepreneurs in the field of new inventions and waste management. Disabled entrepreneurs have not been noticed so far. If anyone is there, they can bring them to the attention of the association. Applications have been allowed till Tuesday,' he said.
