Bengaluru: Union minister Shobha Karandlaje Saturday announced a 10-day statewide awareness campaign on women’s rights in the backdrop of the Nari Shakti Vandan Bill.She said the campaign aims to educate women ahead of a proposed Parliament session to discuss the implementation of women’s reservation. Karandlaje expressed hope that more women experts would be identified and fielded in elections. Highlighting Karnataka’s performance, she said women-led gram panchayats have excelled and won awards. She added that the bill is unlikely to impact the ongoing elections and sought clarity from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on his party’s stand. BJP state Mahila Morcha president C Manjula said conventions, signature drives and rallies will be held across districts, beginning at KR Pura Sunday.Trust in newspapers remains strong, says SiddaramaiahChief minister Siddaramaiah Saturday said public trust in newspapers remains intact, even as he urged journalists to uphold constitutional values and avoid speculative reporting. Addressing the 40th State Journalists’ Conference in Bidar, he said people continue to rely on newspapers for credible information and added that he personally shares that trust. He cautioned against sensationalism, stating that excessive focus on trivial issues could harm society.“Speculative journalism is extremely dangerous… What benefit does society get if a husband-wife quarrel is shown all day?” he said. Recalling that BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi were journalists, he urged the media to act as a voice for the voiceless and promote social awareness.Deputy speaker breaks down over forest eviction plightLegislative assembly deputy speaker Rudrappa Lamani broke down in tears Saturday during a zilla panchayat review meeting near Devagiri village, highlighting the alleged eviction of villagers from forest land. Addressing officials, Lamani said several settlements existed near forest areas even before Independence but are now facing eviction after being classified under reserved forest limits. FIRs have been filed, and many families forced to vacate. He said residents of Guttal Tanda and Karur have already been displaced, while people in 22 villages across the state face similar action. Lamani added that despite raising the issue for five years with Union ministers and MPs, no rehabilitation measures have been provided.
