Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jun 20: MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary questioned whether the state government had declared an emergency, as anyone who protests or raises their voice against the government is being "arrested."

During a press conference, MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary stated, "The state government promised to provide 10kg of rice, but now they are blaming PM Narendra Modi for the delay in supplying 5kg of rice from the central government. Until now, not even 1 gram of rice has reached the people. The promised benefits have not reached the people. From July 1, 5kg of rice from the central government will be provided completely free. The state government should provide 10kg of rice because the central government never made such a promise. I request the state government not to blame the central government for their own failures."

Regarding the increase in electricity tariff, he said, "During the BJP's rule in the state, when the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) proposed an increase in electricity tariff, we did not accept it. However, when the Congress came to power, there was a sudden increase in electricity bills, and they started blaming us. The handloom industry in the state has decided to move to other states because they find it extremely difficult to bear the electricity bills."

He criticized the "hasty implementation" of the Shakti scheme, which he cited had resulted in overcrowding in government buses due to an increase in women passengers. This has caused a shortage of buses, he opined . "This has led to bus doors breaking. The auto-rickshaw drivers have been greatly affected by the Shakti scheme and are facing economic hardships," he added. He also opined that the Gruhalaxmi scheme had led to disruption in the families. While the guarantees issued by the state government are acceptable, they should lead to welfare of society, Poojary said.

Poojary accused the present state government of being biased against Hindus, citing the abolition of two acts—the Prohibition of Animal Slaughter Act and the Prohibition of Conversion Act. He expressed the intention to protest against these actions. The failure of the BJP in the state elections was not due to any individual but rather a collective responsibility. The results in the twin districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi highlight the hard work of BJP workers, he added.