Fakira Dingaleshwar Swami of Shirahatti Fakkireshwar Math said he has decided to fight the election as an independent from Dharwad Lok Sabha segment against Joshi. The seer also accused Congress of neglecting Lingayats after coming to power, and not giving suitable positions to leaders of calibre from the community.

Minister Joshi outlined the nation's ambitious target to eliminate coal imports by 2025-26, indicating significant progress towards this goal. He highlighted a reduction in coal imports for blending purposes in FY24 compared to the previous fiscal year, resulting in substantial savings amounting to Rs 82,264 crore.