Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, May 22: Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Srinivas Poojary has accused the state government of administrative harassment of Central Government welfare schemes.
Addressing the media on May 22, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said, “The state government is continuing to exert administrative pressure on the Union Government. Jan Aushadhi Kendras are conducting business worth Rs 2,500 crore annually across the country. People are getting medicines at highly subsidised rates — sugar tablets priced at Rs 95 are available at just Rs 5, and calcium tablets worth Rs 95 are being sold for Rs 7.”
He strongly criticised the state government's directive to shut down Jan Aushadhi centres operating within hospital premises. “If you’re providing free medicines, then let Jan Aushadhi centres shut down voluntarily. Why are you enforcing closures? This move is a massive blow to poor patients. It’s a systematic conspiracy to sabotage a Central Government welfare initiative. CM Siddaramaiah and minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, don’t politicise this issue. Don’t harass the poor for the sake of politics. The BJP strongly condemns the state government’s move and demands immediate withdrawal of the order,” he said.
Reacting to recent ED raids, MP Poojary clarified, “There is no interference from the Central Government in ED operations. The ED is an autonomous body, a fact even Dr Manmohan Singh once acknowledged. The ED doesn’t distinguish between Dalit and non-Dalit. It targets financial crimes, illegal assets, and corrupt practices. Don’t reduce this issue to caste or community lines.”
Responding to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s description of Operation Sindhur as a “mini-war,” the MP said, “Calling it a 'mini-war' is an insult to our brave soldiers who risk their lives at the border. Senior leaders must be more responsible with their words. CM Siddaramaiah should at least advise MLA Manjunath Kottur, who claimed he flew four aircraft, to act with maturity. These statements are bringing disrepute to the government and the party. Parliamentary sessions are convened as needed, and special sessions on war or national security can also be called when necessary.”
He added, “All political parties have welcomed the Centre’s response to national security. Internal differences within Congress and lack of experience are causing such irresponsible statements. When it comes to the nation, we must stand united.”
Condemning the house arrest of opposition leader in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, in Kalaburagi, he said, “Silencing the voice of the opposition is undemocratic. Is this the Congress’ respect for democratic values? Is this how you treat a Dalit leader, despite claiming to fight for Dalits and backward classes?”
The MP informed that the BJP, under the leadership of B Y Vijayendra, has convened an emergency meeting and vowed to fight back. “Narayanaswamy has already expressed regret for his previous remarks. There are many precedents in politics where leaders have apologised. But detaining him even after he expressed regret is inexcusable. Instead of dialogue, you are suppressing voices with threats,” he said.