The Karnataka BJP unit has taken a firm stance by expelling former deputy chief minister K S Eshwarappa from the party for a duration of six years. This drastic decision follows Eshwarappa’s decision to file his nomination as an Independent candidate from Shivamogga, directly challenging the party’s chosen candidate, B Y Raghavendra, the incumbent BJP MP and son of former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa. Notably, Raghavendra is also the brother of Karnataka BJP unit chief B Y Vijayendra.

In a letter addressed to Eshwarappa, BJP state disciplinary committee president Lingaraja Patil expressed grave disappointment, citing Eshwarappa’s blatant disregard for party directives. Patil emphasized that Eshwarappa’s actions have not only caused embarrassment to the party but also flagrantly violated the disciplinary code. Consequently, Eshwarappa has been relieved of all responsibilities within the party and faces suspension for a six-year period.

Moreover, the BJP has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission regarding Eshwarappa’s unauthorized use of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image in his campaign materials. Despite this, Eshwarappa remains resolute, asserting his right to employ Modi’s photo during electioneering, stating, “Modi is our leader.”

Unsurprisingly, reactions to Eshwarappa’s expulsion were anticipated, with one of his close aides acknowledging the expected outcome. However, Eshwarappa himself has refrained from immediate response, indicating his intention to address the matter through a forthcoming press meeting.

This expulsion comes amidst longstanding tensions between Eshwarappa and Yediyurappa, with Eshwarappa previously alleging that the BJP in Karnataka was being adversely impacted by the father-son duo’s influence. Reports of discord between the two factions have persisted, exacerbated by Eshwarappa’s son Kantesh being denied a party ticket.

Efforts to reconcile the differences between Eshwarappa and the party leadership have proven futile, with BJP’s attempts at pacification yielding no results. Even claims of mutual support made by Vijayendra during his campaign failed to assuage Eshwarappa’s defiance.

The saga took a national turn when Union Home Minister Amit Shah summoned Eshwarappa to Delhi, ostensibly to discuss the matter. However, Eshwarappa’s assertion of contesting the election remained unwavering, interpreting Shah’s inability to meet him as an implicit endorsement of his candidacy against Raghavendra.

As the electoral battleground heats up, with voting scheduled for May 7 in the pivotal Shivamogga constituency, Eshwarappa’s expulsion marks a significant development in Karnataka’s political landscape, underscoring the persistent rifts within the state’s BJP unit.

In a recent statement, Karnataka‘s Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has raised concerns over the BJP’s alleged secretive agenda to impose Governor’s rule in the state amidst heightened tensions regarding the law and order situation.

The backdrop to this accusation stems from the BJP’s criticism of the deteriorating law and order scenario in Karnataka following the tragic murder of Neha Hiremath, the daughter of a city civic body councillor, on the premises of her college in Hubballi. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and protests across the state.

Shivakumar vehemently refuted the BJP’s claims, asserting that Karnataka boasts one of the most robust law and order mechanisms in the country. He accused BJP leader R Ashoka of clandestinely plotting to enforce Governor’s rule as part of a political strategy to undermine the current administration.

The tragic incident involved the stabbing death of Neha Hiremath, a 23-year-old Master of Computer Applications (MCA) student and the daughter of Congress Councillor Niranjan Hiremath. The alleged perpetrator, Fayaz Khondunaik, was apprehended by the police following his escape from the crime scene.

The incident has escalated into a political showdown between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP. While the Congress attempts to portray the incident as a personal tragedy, the BJP has framed it within the context of ‘love jihad,’ further exacerbating the political tensions.

Protests, led by BJP’s student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and other Hindutva-aligned organizations, have erupted across the state, demanding justice and stringent punishment for the accused. This has added fuel to the political fire, with both parties capitalizing on the tragedy to further their respective agendas.

As the situation unfolds, the political landscape in Karnataka remains tense, with accusations and counter-accusations dominating the discourse. The fate of the state’s governance hangs in the balance amidst growing concerns over law and order and the specter of Governor’s rule looms large, intensifying the political turmoil.

In Bengaluru, Trove Experiences’ decision to monetize Shinrin Yoku, a revered Japanese practice, has stirred controversy. The offering of guided forest bathing experiences for Rs 1,500 has triggered outcry and ridicule, igniting a fierce debate over the commercialization of a sacred ritual.

Research highlights the benefits of communing with nature, emphasizing its capacity to alleviate anxiety, depression, and uplift mood and self-esteem. Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese art of forest bathing, has long served as an escape from urban chaos, offering a slow, deliberate stroll through wooded areas to soothe modern malaise and restore well-being.

However, criticism has mounted with the introduction of paid guided forest bathing experiences, a novelty in Bengaluru. Trove Experiences’ initiative has sparked a firestorm of debate with its Rs 1,500 forest bathing excursions, conducted not in a forest but at Cubbon Park, where strolling has always been free.

On Trove Experiences’ website, the description of their offering underscores the need for city dwellers to reconnect with nature amidst the stress of urban life. The immersive forest walk promises to leave participants feeling centered and revitalized.

Yet, screenshots of Trove Experiences’ pricing have circulated widely, provoking outrage and mockery. Social media users have derided the notion of paying for a forest bathing experience in a park where grass-touching remains free. The viral post on X has garnered significant attention, with thousands of likes and comments reflecting widespread skepticism and humor.

The controversy surrounding Trove Experiences’ commercialization of Shinrin Yoku underscores broader questions about the ethical boundaries of monetizing sacred practices and the commodification of nature’s healing benefits. As debates continue, the clash between commercial interests and cultural reverence remains unresolved, leaving many to ponder the true essence of Shinrin Yoku amidst the uproar.