From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Oct 15: Continuing his attacks against Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, which is now in Ballari, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said India is growing as a strong nation and there is no meaning in this Yatra.
Speaking to media persons after inaugurating 61st National Athletic Championship-2022 in Bengaluru on Saturday, Bommai wanted to know what is the meaning of Bharat Jodo Yatra? "Already, the country has been marching ahead as a united India. The question of re-fixing or uniting the country does not arise. India is united, and it is making rapid progress on the international level,’’ he said.
The Chief Minister said: "While the whole world is facing economic recession, including G-7 nations in general and the United States of America, India has maintained a minimum GDP at 7 per cent. Since the first missile of former AICC President Rahul Gandhi has failed, now he is trying to relaunch. Apart from this, the Bharat Jodo Yatra has absolutely no meaning.’’
Congress cheated Ballari people
"Didnt the Congress party cheat the people of Ballari,’’ Bommai asked when asked what he will like to ask Congress leaders about Bharat Jodo convention in Ballari. "AICC President Sonia Gandhi had contested from Ballari along with Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh in Lok Sabha polls, and after she won from the seats, Sonia quit the Ballari seat and retained Rae Bareli seat. She did not acknowledge the people of Ballari for voting for her. The special package of Rs 3,000 crore announced by her before quitting the Ballari seat, never became a reality. With what face the Congress leaders are doing Padayatra in Ballari and is it not cheating people of Ballari,’’ he said.
BJP will win 150 seats
The Chief Minister expressed confidence of reaching the goal of winning 150 seats in 2023 assembly polls.
Bommai said BJP’s e three-day Jan Sankalp Yatra evoked a good response in four districts and has boosted the morale of workers. This has increased the confidence of people in the BJP. There is no doubt of Jan Sankalp Yatra becoming Vijay Sankalp yatra by reaching 150 seats in 2023.
Reacting to Leader of Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah's challenge for him to walk four km without falling down, Bommai said he has made personal comments on him for which there will be no comments from his side. "Let God give Siddaramaiah good health and long life,’’ he said.
On the growing demand to appoint a new seer for the Murugha Mutt, he said a delegation of devotees led by former minister Ekanthaiah met and explained everything including problems faced by the mutt administration.
As the mutt is governed by trust, suitable action will be taken within the legal framework, he said.
75 sportspersons to get training for Olympics
The Chief Minister said 75 sportspersons will be provided training under the Amrit Sports Programme for the next Olympics in Paris with the target of winning gold medal for the country.
The State Government is giving priority to sports in Karnataka and has started rural sports meet from this year.
Kabaddi, Khokho, Volleyball, Wrestling, Cart Racing and the traditional coastal sport of Kambala are being encouraged in village, taluk and district level and ultimately at the State level, he said.
Bommai said the State Government is establishing a Centre of Excellence for Sports near Bengaluru, which will have all facilities and equipment for the sportspersons for training besides other infrastructure facilities.
On the problems faced by sports persons following renting out Kanteerava Stadium for Football, the Chief Minister said it is being done by Karnataka Athletics Association and falls within its powers. The State Government has absolutely no role in it. He said it is the responsibility of the Association to protect the newly-laid track without causing any damage. However, the persons responsible will be summoned and warned, he added.