Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Apr 19: "BJP is currently divided into three parties - BJP, KJP and BSR Congress. On the other hand, Jagadish Shettar and Yedyurappa are fighting over who really built BJP in the state," said petroleum minister Veerappa Moily.

Addressing the media at a press meet held at the Congress election office on Friday April 19, the minister said, "BJP was in power for about 18 years in Udupi-Chikmagalur, but now the Congress rules it. JD(S) is also
responsible for giving mal-administration in the state along with BJP," said Moily.

He further said, "JD(S) will not secure more than 20 seats. If BJP and JD(S) had not plotted against us, then Congress would have ruled without any interruption and people would have lived peacefully."

"The BJP are in a situation wherein they have to search for areas of where they have support. Only Congress can give clear, transparent administration, and to achieve this majority of votes are needed," said the petroleum minister.

"Karnataka was termed as a corrupt state under BJP rule and if this continues more harm will be caused to the state's reputation. Earlier, whenever I met people, I used to claim that I was the former chief minister of Karnataka but now I say that I am a central minister rather than the state designation, as the position of Karnataka has been degraded under the BJP regime," said Moily.

"During my tenure as chief minister, there was good recognition for universities in the state as importance was given to education but now the responsibility of education is given to former cycle shop owner CT Ravi who is useless," lambasted Moily.

"There are cases against 20 BJP ministers under Lokayukta. The report by Justice Santhosh Hegde had stated a loss of Rs 16,000 crore in scam by the BJP," he added.

Lauding J R Lobo for all his services to the city, Moily said no one can question the integrity of J R Lobo who has served the city for more than 25 years. Commenting on the allegations made by Yogish Bhat against J R Lobo, he said, "I pity Yogish Bhat as he found the dispute in a website which is baseless. There is no case against Lobo," he said.

"Bhat is a highly irresponsible MLA who had demolished historic Lady Goshen Hospital listening to some people. For the renovation work, 100 % funds, that is 21 crores grant were given by ONGC and Yogish Bhat did not donate any amount  from the state government," alleged Moily. Adding to that the concrete road from KPT to the airport were constructed with the funds from central government.

CNG gas project

"Mangalore is my dream city and is known as a commercial gateway where we have planned various projects. The Bangalore-Dabhol compress natural gas (CNG) pipeline has been laid which will be used for buses and houses. The center is also planning to take diversion from Chitradurga and it will be extended till Mangalore soon. There are plans to establish 2-3 gas-based projects here," he said.

Relief to Perne blast victims on humanitarian grounds

Commenting on the recent Perne tragedy that claimed 10 lives, Moily said, "I visited the place yesterday and compensation will be provided on humanitarian grounds. I cannot announce anything as of now due to election code of conduct.

Murlidhar Bolar, Hemanth Kumar Hoige Bazar, Yogesh Karkera and Madhav Shetty, all from BJP, joined Congress on the occasion.