From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Belagavi, Dec 26: Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Siddaramaiah criticised the Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP regime for its failure to ensure adequate supplies for kerosene oil for operating the over 800 fishing boats of fishermen in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.

Speaking at the ongoing assembly session at Belagavi on Monday, he said the State Government was simply playing with the lives of hundreds of fishermen of the coastal region by not taking steps to supply kerosene oil to fishing boats.

"The State Fisheries Minister’s evasive replies stating that he has discussed with the Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on the problem or that the Chief Minister’s statement that he has discussed with the Union Minister will not help,’’ Siddaramaiah said and demanded that the government must come out with a clear reply.

Siddaramaiah said the State Government, which talks about BJP’s double engine government in the State and Centre, must have somehow made arrangements or procured the necessary kerosene oil from other states.

The fishermen cannot wait endlessly for the government to help them, he said the State Government must make immediate arrangements to supply 300 litres each per month and issue orders for release of 3,000 litres due to the fishermen during the last 10 months.

The Congress leader said the fishermen of the coastal region cannot wait endlessly and their patience is running out.