1. BJP expels two rebel MLAs from Karnataka for six years over ‘anti-party activities’
The BJP has expelled two rebel MLAs and former ministers – S.T. Somashekhar and Arabail Shivaram Hebbar – from the party for six years for indulging in “anti-party activities”. While Mr. Somashekhar represents Yeshwanthpur in Bengaluru in the Karnataka Assembly, Mr. Hebbar has been elected from Yellapura of Uttara Kannada district.
The MLAs, who were among those who came from the Congress to join the BJP in 2019 through Operation Kamala, had been given ministerial berths in the Cabinet of the then Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. They had also continued as ministers when Mr. Basavaraj Bommai succeeded Mr. Yediyurappa as the chief minister.
However, the two leaders had started identifying themselves with the Congress since 2023 when the BJP lost power. Both of them had embarrassed the BJP several times by voting against the party’s official candidates in the elections to the Council and Rajya Sabha. They had also attended Congress legislature party meetings and had refused to toe the BJP line in the Assembly.
2. Coastal Karnataka records highest ‘large excess’ cumulative rainfall in about three months
Coastal Karnataka recorded the highest ‘large excess’ cumulative rainfall from March 1 to May 26 among four regions in the State. According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), the coastal region, comprising Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts, recorded 456 mm actual rainfall against the normal rainfall of 119 mm between 8.30 a.m. on March 1 and 8.30 a.m. on March 26. The departure is 284%, which is a large excess, KSNDMC stated on May 27.
North Interior Karnataka recorded 162 mm cumulative rainfall against the normal 67 mm rainfall during the period (140% departure from normal and large excess), Malnad region reported 319 mm cumulative rainfall against the normal 143 mm rainfall (123% departure and also large excess). South Interior Karnataka recorded cumulative 213 mm rainfall against the normal 122 mm rainfall (74% departure and large excess). A departure (excess rainfall) of 60% and above is large excess, according to KSNDMC.
3. Karnataka lawyer duped by cyber fraudsters using AI-generated Donald Trump video
A 38-year-old advocate lost close to ₹6 lakhs, after he was duped by cybercriminals who allegedly lured him into investing in a ‘Trump Hotel rentals scheme’ using an AI-generated video of US President Donald Trump promising high returns. The issue came to light on May 6, when advocate Anil Mohan Bendre approached the Haveri CEN Police station with a complaint.
According to the police, the advocate was promised a 3% daily return on his investment. After initially making some profit, he invested more money hoping to double his earnings. Soon, however, he stopped receiving returns, and was also unable to withdraw the invested amount. In total, he deposited ₹5,93,240 in various bank accounts between January 25 and April 4.
4. BMRCL rolls back public toilet fee at 12 Namma Metro stations after protests in Bengaluru
Following public backlash and commuter protests, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) reversed its decision to impose a fee for using public toilets at 12 Namma Metro stations in Bengaluru. It also cancelled its contract with Sulabh International, the non-profit organisation that had been tasked with managing these toilets.
Last week, BMRCL had handed over the management of restrooms located in the unpaid areas (outside the ticketed zone) of select metro stations to Sulabh International, charging ₹2 for use of urinals and ₹5 for toilets. The move triggered criticism from activists and daily commuters, who argued that such charges were unfair, especially in the wake of the recent 71% hike in fares.
Published – May 27, 2025 06:38 pm IST
