Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister recalled getting the opportunity to visit Hubbali earlier this year and highlighted the blessings showered upon him by the people who came out to welcome him. Recalling his visits to Karnataka in the past few years from Bengaluru to Belgavi, Kalburagi to Shivamoga, and Mysuru to Tumkuru, the Prime Minister said that he is indebted to the overwhelming love and affection shown by the Kannadigas and also underlined that the government will work towards fulfilling the needs of the people by making their lives easier, creating many employment opportunities for the youth, empowering the women of the region as a way of repayment. “The double-engine government of Karnataka strives for the complete development of every district, village and hamlet of the state with utmost honesty”, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that for centuries, Dharwad has been a gateway between Malenadu and Bayalu Seeme regions which has welcomed everyone with open heart and enriched itself by learning from everyone. Therefore, “Dharwad did not remain just a gateway but became a reflection of the dynamism of Karnataka and India” , the Prime Minister said.  Dharwad is known as the cultural capital of Karnataka known for its literature and music. The Prime Minister paid tribute to cultural doyens from Dharwad.

The Prime Minister mentioned his Mandya visit earlier in the day.

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Friday (May 20)

• Heavy rains are likely in some areas of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka, Kerala and Mahe.
• Widespread showers and thunderstorms are likely over Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Coastal Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep.
• Fairly widespread rain/snow is expected over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, with a chance of hailstorms and thunderstorms.
• Fairly widespread rain and thunderstorms are possible over Arunachal Pradesh, North and South Interior Karnataka.
• Scattered rain/snow is likely over Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, with a chance of hailstorms and thunderstorms.
• Scattered showers and thunderstorms are predicted over Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• Isolated rain is likely over Odisha, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu, with a chance of thunderstorms.
• Heatwave conditions are forecast in some parts of Rajasthan, South Punjab, South Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha.
• A maximum temperature of above 45°C is expected in isolated places of Rajasthan, North Madhya Pradesh and South Uttar Pradesh.

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Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar on Wednesday said that there is no need to panic against the backdrop of an outbreak of Tomato Flu in neighbouring Kerala.

“Though some symptoms are similar to Covid-19, the Tomato Flu has nothing to do with Covid-19. These symptoms are usually seen in other types of viral infections also.

“There is no need to panic as the authorities have been asked to remain alert. Moreover, the Tomato Flu is endemic to Kerala,” he said.

According to a release by the Health Department, Tomato Flu is a rare viral disease, which causes red-coloured rashes, skin irritation and dehydration. The disease gets its name from the blisters it causes, which look like tomatoes.

Tomato fever is affecting children below the age of five in Kerala, it said, adding that the main symptoms include large blisters the size of tomatoes which are red in colour, as well as high fever, body ache, joint swelling, and fatigue – much like chikungunya.

Cases of Tomato Flu have currently been reported from Aryankavu, Anchal and Neduvathur in Kerala. Following this, contiguous Karnataka districts – Mangaluru, Udupi, Kodagu, Chamrajnagara and Mysuru – have been directed to keep a vigil on daily travellers from Kerala.

According to the Health Department, tt is also advised to monitor children for any of the aforementioned signs and symptoms in OPDs of health institutions. Further directions have been given to inform the state IDSP section immediately if any cases with such symptoms are detected.

DHOs of concerned districts and other districts too are directed by the Commissioner of Health to ensure surveillance is ensured, the statement said.

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The pollution caused by them increases the risk of COVID-19 patients. The air pollution in India as the winter sets in has been a matter of concern especially in the national capital and its surrounding areas.

Mumbai BMC issued a circular advising not to use firecrackers during Diwali as govt decided to ban it .although you can fire full Jhadi and Anardana  during pooja time in restricted personal area but other firecrackers will not be allowed .

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on November 5 decided to ban firecrackers in the national capital after reviewing the COVID-19 situation. The Delhi CM said, “Coronavirus cases have increased due to the festival season and pollution. It was decided to ban crackers in Delhi and ramp up medical infrastructure, among other measures.”

He appealed people to shun firecrackers for the safety of their kids and family. He said, “we will celebrate Diwali together and won’t burst firecrackers in any condition. There will be a wonderful atmosphere and good vibes as two crore people will perform Laxmi Pujan. It will lead to well being in each household.”

Maharashtra government issued guidelines for the citizens to keep in mind while celebrating Diwali. The government cautioned against bursting crackers citing ecological concerns as it damages the environment and adds to the air pollution and noise pollution.

The Karnataka government also decided to ban the use of firecrackers during Diwali this year, saying it may badly impact the health of those who have already been infected with Covid-19. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said, “We have taken a decision to ban firecrackers in the state, in wake of Covid pandemic. The order regarding the ban will be issued soon.”

On Thursday, state health minister Dr K Sudhakar held a meeting with the state’s Covid-19 expert committee and technical advisory committee. The committee had deliberated on the pros and cons of bursting firecrackers and had recommended a ban. “As the smoke can badly impact the health of those who have already been infected by Covid-19 and even those who have not, we will place the committee’s report before the Chief Minister and he will take a final decision within a day or two,” he had said.

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Close watch is to be maintained. River Indravathi is likely to rise in Dantewada, Narayanpur and Bijapur Districts in Chhattisgarh. River Sabari is likely to rise rapidly in Koraput, Malkangiri Districts of Odisha and in Sukma District in Chhattisgarh and East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Inflows into Balimela, Upper Kolab, Machhkund and Upper Indravathi Projects are also likely to rise but the storages in these reservoirs are 25% to 52% only and the inflows will help in increasing the storage in these reservoirs.

River Krishna is also likely to get heavy inflows into P D Jurala in Jogulamba Gadwal District of Telangana and to Srisailam Dam in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. Since the dam is about 65% filled, it is expected that with inflows for next 4 to 5 days may increase its storage substantially. Due to extremely heavy rainfall in downstream areas of river Krishna in Warangal, Khammam, Nalgonda and Krishna Districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, river Krishna at Prakasam Barrage is getting inflows above its threshold limit and inflow forecasts have been issued for the same.

Gujarat, Maharashtra &Goa

There is likelihood of rise in Water Levels in the basins of Lower Mahi, Lower Narmada, Lower Tapi and Damanganga. Rivers Narmada, Tapi, Damanganga are likely to rise rapidly in association with rains forecasted for next 4-5 days. Madhuban Dam in Valsad District is likely to get heavy inflows due to the forecasted rainfall. At present, the Dam has storage of 67.09%. Close watch is to be maintained and releases if any has to be done, it should be with due care and after informing all downstream districts including Union Territories of Daman.

Other Dams in this region such as Kadana Dam on river Mahi, Panam Dam on river Panam, Sardar Sarovar Dam on river Narmada, Ukai Dam on river Tapiare are also expected to get increased inflows. Hatnur Dam in Jalgaon District of Maharashtra is likely to get an inflow of around 1505 cumec till today night and Ukai Dam is also expected to receive around 3703 cumec till tomorrow morning. Due to forecast of extremely heavy rain in their catchment, there is likelihood of sudden rise in inflows which may have to be regulated properly following the rule curves and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) after informing all downstream Districts well in advance.

As the rainfall of higher intensity is likely to continue for at least 1-2 days, there is likelihood of rise in levels of rivers along the West Coast in Maharashtra & Goa in the West Flowing Rivers between Tapi and Tadri. Necessary precautions have to be taken in Road and Rail Bridges which pass through these areas as they are prone to submergence. Care should be taken to regulate road and rail traffic to avoid anyincidents.

Rajasthan & MadhyaPradesh

Due to forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in East Rajasthan and West Madhya Pradesh for next 3-4 days, there is likelihood of rise in Water Levels in rivers such as Chambal, Mahi, Sabarmati, Kalisindh, Banas (both East and West Flowing), etc. Most of the dams in these rivers are having storage between 35 to 70%, care should be exercised to monitor the situation very closely. Releases if any has to be done, it should be after advance information to all concerned downstream districts and lower riparian States. Inflows have started increasing in Panchana Dam, and Parwan Pickup Weir and have crossed the threshold limit. Inflow Forecast have been issued for these reservoirs in Rajasthan.

Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, UttarPradesh

Due to forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in these States in the next 2 to 3 days, there is likelihood of rise in Water Levels in rivers such as Sutlej, Ravi, Beas, Ghaggar, Yamuna, Bhagirathi, Alaknanda, Ganga, Ramganga, Sarda, Sarju and Ghaghra. There is likelihood of flash floods in some of the hill districts in these states in association with cloud burst. Necessary precautions have to be taken for possible landslides and blockages of river flows due to landslides in high ranges of these states.

Karnataka &Tamilnadu

Due to continuous inflows from the previous spell of rainfall, most of the dams in Cauvery Basin have reached very close to 90-97% storage. Any local rainfall in association with convective activity may also help in adding to the flow in these basins. Round the clock watch has to be maintained for proper reservoir operation and information to all downstream Districts as well as to lower riparian States well in advance. The releases from Kabini and Krishna Raja Sagar through river are becoming in flows into Mettur Dam whichis likely to get slow in flows for next 3-4days.

Most of the dams in Krishna Basin are also having storage between 86% to 97%. Hidkal Dam on River Ghataprabha is filled to 97% of its full capacity and hence close watch has to be maintained for any increased inflows likely due to the very heavy rainfall forecasted in Madhya Maharashtra during the next 2-3 days. Due to heavy rain in Madhya Maharashtra, Hidkal and Malaprabha are also getting heavy inflows.

Due to river flows from upstream areas of river Krishna, Almatti Dam and Narayanpur Dam are getting heavy inflows and since these dams are filled around 90% to 92% of the capacity, both the dams are releasing the excess flow. There is forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Madhya Maharashtra for next 4-5 days. Due to this there is likelihood of rise in water levels in Upper Krishna Basin in the upstream of Almatti Dam.

It is advised that close watch has to be maintained for increased inflows likely during the next 2-3 days. Releases from any of these reservoirs may be done as per rule curve and standard operating procedure.

Bihar, Jharkhand and Gangetic WestBengal

Many of the rivers in Bihar continue to flow in Severe to Above Normal Flood Situation with falling trend. The situation will continue for another 3-4 days.

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Yediyurappa, who faced opposition ire for delaying the appointment of ministers — especially in the wake of floods — had proposed the names of 17 MLAs, including independent lawmaker H Nagesh and former chief minister Jagadish Shettar, to Governor Vajubhai Vala. governor administrated oath to new minister today .

The chief minister ran a “one-man” cabinet for over 20 days and decided to appoint more ministers after go-ahead from BJP chief Amit Shah. ”

The ministers include former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, two ex-deputy chief ministers — KS Eshwarappa and R Ashoka — Independent MLA H Nagesh and Laxman Sangappa Savadi, who is not a member of the Assembly or Council, and MLC Kota Srinivas Poojari. Others sworn in were: Govind M Karajol, Ashwath Narayan CN, B Sreeramulu, S Suresh Kumar, V Somanna, CT Ravi, Basavaraj Bommai, JC Madhu Swamy, CC Patil, Prabhu Chauhan and Shashikala Jolle Annasaheb, who is the only woman Cabinet Minister.

Yediyurappa had a tightrope to walk during the cabinet expansion as he had to craft a fine caste and regional balance, in view of large number of aspirants, sources said.

However, with no decision yet by the Supreme Court on 17 disqualified Congress-JD(S) MLAs, whose resignation from the Assembly paved the way for the BJP to gain power, the chief minister has no immediate compulsion to accommodate them.

Amid pressure from within, opposition parties, the Congress and JD(S) too had hit out at the BJP over the delay in cabinet expansion, and had raised questions about the government’s “existence”. The Congress had even said that Yediyurappa’s one-man cabinet administration “resembled President’s rule.”

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In a letter reportedly written by Siddhartha to the board of directors and his CCD family before he went missing.

he said he had “failed to create the right profitable business model despite my best efforts”.

He added, “I would like to say I gave it my all. I am very sorry to let down all the people that put their trust in me. I fought for a long time but today I gave up as I could not take any more pressure from one of the private equity partners forcing me to buy back shares….”

According to reports, Siddhartha got off from his car near a bridge across the Nethravathi River near Mangalore, about 375km from Bengaluru, but did not return even after an hour. A panicked driver went down looking for him, but could not find him anywhere. He then alerted the family members who in turn informed the police.

Rescue teams and sniffer dogs are scanning the bridge over the Netravati river. The Coast Guard and the National Disaster Response Force have joined the search.

meanwhile Congress leader DK Shivakumar said he got a call  from missing Cafe Coffee Day founder VG Siddhartha on July 28. Siddhartha asked if they could meet, Shivakumar said in a tweet.

He also called the letter written by Siddhartha to the board and employees “utterly fishy”. Shivakumar said, “However, I find this utterly fishy and urge that a thorough Investigation be conducted into this matter. Shri Siddhartha and his family were closely known to me for decades now.”

The Karnataka government has already started search operations in the Netravathi bridge area. Since it is raining in the coastal Karnataka, the water level in the river has gone up to a serious level.

Shares of Coffee Day Enterprises Ltd plunged 20% on Tuesday after the company’s founder VG Siddhartha went missing . Coffee Day Enterprises shares were locked in a 20% lower circuit at Rs 153.40. The stock, as of its Monday’s closing price, has corrected nearly 27% in the last one year.

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Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Kumar said that the resignation by the three MLAs — Ramesh Jarkiholi, Mahesh Kumathalli and R Shankar — were “not voluntary and genuine”. As a result, he proceeded to disqualify them under the anti-defection law with immediate effect till the end of the term of the current House in 2023.

The Speaker made it clear that Jarkiholi, Kumatalli and Shankar, disqualified under the anti-defection law, will be unable to contest or get elected till the end of the term of the present House.

“They have violated the provisions of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law) and therefore are disqualified,” he said, adding that they cease to be members from “this day” till the expiry of the current assembly in 2023.

Kumar said he would decide on both the matter of resignations and disqualification pleas pending before him in respect of the 14 other MLAs “in the next couple of days”, which may prolong the political turmoil and have a bearing on government formation.

The 14-month-old Congress-JDS coalition government headed by HD Kumaraswamy collapsed on Tuesday after losing the vote of confidence in the Assembly, bringing to an end the three-week long power struggle triggered by the raft of resignations.

He said that resignation was a “respectable terminology” while disqualification was “admonishing,” emphasising that the anti-defection law could not be used as a “monstrous law”.

“No by-election…nothing will work. This (Speaker’s office) is a quasi-judicial body,” Kumar said, adding, “I know these matters will go to the court.” On the remaining 14 cases, he said he is “holding them back” and it would require a “couple of days” for him to give his verdict.

Welcoming the ruling, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Dinesh Gundu Rao called it a “victory of democracy.”

Govt formation still unclear

Kumar said he first decided on the resignation, rejecting them as they were not voluntary and genuine “based on circumstances” and thereafter dealt with disqualification after considering “evidences and other orders”.

Asked if the same yardstick would be used against other rebel MLAs, he said, “Wait and see.”

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The BJP showed no hurry to stake claim to form the next government . party keepping eye on  the number game  with both the resignations of rebel Congress and JDS MLAs and the pleas for their disqualification still pending with Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar.

The 14-month old Congress-JDS government collapsed on Tuesday after losing the confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy in the Assembly after a struggle for power for three weeks, with several political twists and turns and a legal battle following the resignation of 15 rebel MLAs.

jagadish Shettar, BJP, in Delhi said We met Amit Shah & JP Nadda regarding the political scenario in #Karnataka, formation of BJP govt there & steps to be taken. They want to discuss again  then they will take a final decision in the Parliamentary Board meeting.

meanwhile The counsel for lawmakers R Shankar and H Nagesh had told a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi that the MLAs wanted to withdraw the petition to instruct Karnataka Assembly Speaker Ramesh Kumar to conduct the floor test “forthwith”,  as it had taken place .

Supreme Court allows the two Karnataka independent MLAs to withdraw their petition, after HD Kumaraswamy lost the trust vote in Karnataka Assembly and tendered his resignation.

If the Congress and JD(S) rebels’ disqualification petition is accepted by Assembly Speaker  KR Ramesh Kumar, the strength of the House will come down to 205 from 224, and the BJP will get through in the trust vote with 105 MLAs of its own.

If the Speaker does not decide on their disqualification for some more time, the BJP won’t be able to prove the majority as the required number is 112 or 113. Even if they manage, the government will be shaky.

The state BJP leaders say that the party high command is treading cautiously because the disqualification petition of 15 rebel Congress and JDS MLAs pending.

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The political drama capped a 14-month long turbulent tenure in the state.

After losing the trust vote and flouting a number of deadlines, Kumaraswamy went to Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala.

The resignation was accepted with immediate effect, but Vala asked Kumaraswamy to continue as caretaker chief minister till alternative arrangements are made.

Bringing to end a three-week-long high-voltage power struggle triggered by a raft of resignations by rebel lawmakers that made the survival of the government difficult, the confidence motion moved by Kumaraswamy was defeated with 99 members voting for the alliance and 105 against it in a House of 225, including Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar and a nominated member.

As many as 20 MLAs – 17 from the Congress-JDS, one from the BSP, and two Independents — skipped the proceedings, reducing the effective strength of the House to 205. The magic figure for Kumaraswamy to win the trust vote was 103.

“The motion moved by the chief minister has fallen through,” Speaker Kumar announced.

Flashing a victory sign after the voting, BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa, hoping to become the chief minister for the fourth time, described the outcome as a “victory for democracy” as people were fed up with the Kumaraswamy government.

After the Assembly polls last year, Yeddyurappa resigned without facing the trust vote since he did not have the numbers on his side with the BJP, which bagged 104 seats, falling short of a majority by nine seats. He assured the people of Karnataka that “an era of development” would start with the BJP in power.

On the next step, Yeddyurappa, 76, said an appropriate decision would be taken “as early as possible”. The BJP dubbed the fall of the government as a “Game of Karma”. Kumaraswamy, son of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, watched the proceedings in a pensive mood after a spirited reply to the debate.

With rebellion exploding in its face, the coalition government was hanging by a thread for the last three weeks with the Supreme Court verdict that rebel MLAs ought not to be compelled to attend the session tipping the scales in favour of the BJP.

Outwitted in the numbers game and defeat staring in his face with the rebel MLAs in no mood to step back from their position to not attend the Assembly, Kumaraswamy gave indications of quitting in the initial remarks while winding up the debate on the confidence motion.

“I am ready to happily sacrifice this position,” he said as the Assembly debated the confidence motion for four days. In his reply, Kumaraswamy said discussions were on why he had not resigned and was sticking to the chair.

Sounding philosophical, he said when the 2018 assembly polls results were out, he had plans to quit politics. “My political entry itself was all of a sudden and unexpected,” he said.

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