Top Highlights from Karnataka Today

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• Veteran Actor Saroja Devi Passes Away at 87: B. Saroja Devi, a pioneering figure in Kannada cinema, succumbed to age-related illness in Bengaluru on July 14, 2025. She starred in over 200 films across Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi during her seven-decade-long career. Known for her iconic roles and contributions to regional cinema, she received tributes from fans, political leaders, and the film fraternity.

• Sigandur Bridge Inauguration Sparks Political Row: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated a cable-stayed bridge built across the Sharavati river backwaters in Karnataka’s shivamogga district at ₹473 crore. This led to controversy as CM Siddaramaiah alleged that BJP leaders bypassed a prior agreement with Mr. Gadkari for postponing the event.

• guided Walks in Bengaluru Parks Announced: The Karnataka Horticulture Department plans guided walking tours titled ‘Cubbon Walks’ and ‘Lalbagh Walks’ starting soon in Bengaluru’s major parks.Online booking will be introduced post trial runs; Lalbagh Walks commence after August’s Independence Day flower show.

• Calls for SIT Probe into Dharmasthala Burials: Nagalakshmi Choudhary,Chairperson of Karnataka commission for Women,has requested CM Siddaramaiah to form an SIT investigating alleged burial cases over decades in Dharmasthala village-encompassing unnatural deaths and missing persons cases involving women.

Indian opinion Analysis

Saroja Devi’s demise highlights not onyl her monumental contribution to Indian regional cinema but also how cultural icons foster cross-generational connections through artistry. Her legacy demonstrates India’s rich cinematic diversity spanning multiple languages and genres-a testament to cultural unity amidst regional differences.

The inauguration of Sigandur Bridge fulfills crucial infrastructure needs but underscores political tensions surrounding state-Centre relations when local protocols are perceived as undermined by central actors.Such events can strain cooperative governance despite shared developmental goals.

Guided walks by Bengaluru’s Horticulture Department reflect growing awareness about urban ecological assets amid rapid urbanization challenges-a needed step toward sustainable engagement with natural spaces online resources promise access expansion yet must prioritize inclusivity logistics participation adherence timeline execution clarity critical success metrics .

The demand for probing Dharmasthala burials raises meaningful questions about justice delayed as allegations span decades promoting transparency detailed investigative approaches could benefit community trust while curbing future instances similar crimes demanding utmost accountability policymaker citizen collaboration key navigate sensitive terrain responsibly fairly .

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