Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS/JD)
Udupi, Nov 20: “This time the Modi government will not get re-elected at the Centre. There are many reasons for the same. I am ready to hold a public debate with BJP leaders on this subject,” said Labour minister Santhosh Lad.
Responding to a query on rise in activities within the BJP on winning next Lok Sabha elections after the nomination of state president and opposition leader, Lad said, “I have less experience but I can definitely predict the future. Modi will not form government this time at the Centre. There is no need to create any controversy. Let us discuss on the development aspects. Let us discuss on subjects like demonetisation, GDP etc. Smart City, Bullet train like many announcements have been made. Congress will win the maximum seats in Karnataka. BJP will not get more than five to six seats in south India. At the most it may win 10 seats. From 2004 till 2014 our GDP had witnessed 183% growth but in the last nine years it is down to just 83%. Will terrorism come to an end due to the note ban? 300 kg RDX was found in Pulwama attack.”
Replying to a query on the meddling of Yathindra in state government, Lad said, “I am also in the state cabinet. But I am not feeling any interference by Yatindra. We are all functioning independently. CM has given freedom to us. Then how can Yatindra interfere? He has already given a clarification on the video that has gone viral. Many people are ready to join the Congress in our area. I can even disclose their names. Five leaders of the BJP are ready to join the Congress. There are former ministers also in the list. Many people have shown interest in joining Congress in Dharwad.”
Speaking on bringing a special law to protect the interests of labourers who provide service on Swiggy, Zomato and other online platforms, minister Lad said, “We will bring a special law for the security of these people. CM has already released funds. We will form rules and regulations in one or two months. We will get online registration. This will benefit around four to five lac labourers. Rajasthan has a law in this regard. We also have a plan to provide for a universal card to all labourers in the unorganised sectors.”
Reacting to slashing of scholarships of children of labourers, the minister said, “We have not reduced the scholarship amount. In fact in 2021, scholarship was raised to Rs 8,000 from Rs 2,000. They gave Rs 30,000 to those who were eligible for Rs 10,000 and Rs 1 lac for those who were eligible for Rs 30,000. This was unscientific. In the last three years we got order for 39 lac cards suddenly. In Haveri district there are three lac cards alone and most of them are fake. We have received 13 lac applications this time. After verifying all applications, we have given scholarships to nine lac children. We will handle this scientifically.”