Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Oct 13: “A representative from the BJP has questioned the Congress government in the state on what the Congress has done to the fishermen community of the coastal region. The BJP government has failed to do any welfare to the people of the fishermen community during their administration,” said Congress leader Ivan D' Souza.
He was addressing a press meet at Congress Bhavan here on Friday, October 13.
He said, “I will challenge the BJP MLA, he should speak about the favours done on the fishermen community by the BJP-led government. Our commitment to the fishermen folk is 100% and more than the BJP government.
“The Congress government has released funds to convert the engine of fishermen's boats from kerosene to petrol. The government has announced to release of funds to convert 4,000 kerosene engine boats to petrol ones.
“What is the BJP’s contribution to the fishermen community in the coastal region? The MLA should remember that the development works regarding the fishing harbour was pending for several years as the union government failed to release sufficient funds. But, our government gave the administrative approval for the development work. The Congress government has positively responded to the demands of the fishermen community. It was only five months after the Congress government came to power. Whatever was announced in the budget, has been fulfilled. We will fulfill all demands of the fishermen community as announced in the manifesto.
“The Congress always immensely worked for the development of the fishermen's community. Leaders of the BJP should come forward for an open debate and explain what they have done for the welfare of the poor fishermen community.
“There are over 150 houses in Hoigebail. The population is over 800-900 over there. If possible, the MLA should provide the right of land to the poor fishermen who are residing there. As assured, the Congress government will do this. I have brought this issue to the notice of the minister and made a sincere effort to provide land to poor fishermen.
“The MLA should not question what on the Congress has done for the fishermen. The Congress government has strived hard for the welfare of the fishermen community. The MLA should work in collaboration with the government, instead of holding press meet and hurling allegations,” he said.
Congress leader Chethan Bengre who was present also slammed the previous government.