Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, Feb 6: Former state chief minister, MP and national BJP vice president B S Yeddyurappa, pitched for the revocation of order barring entry of Vishwa Hindu Parishad international working president, Pravin Togadia, into Bengaluru from February 5 to 11. Apparently, the move wants to effectively stop Togadia from participating in Hindu Virat Samavesha scheduled to be held on February 8 in the state's capital.
Addressing a press conference at Hemmady near here on Thursday February 5, Yeddyurappa said, "The state government has purposefully issued orders barring entry of Togadia into Bengaluru, but it has been trying to hoodwink people by giving lame excuses for issuing this order. It has also been making efforts to cover up for its blunder, and mislead the ongoing legislature session," alleged Yeddyurappa. He asked the government whether it is running a democrac government or authoritarian one.
"Every government has the right to take action against people found to be delivering inflammatory addresses. The ongoing legislature session was to hold discussions on a number of burning issues. The government is trying to create confusions in the minds of people. It should desist from treating this as a prestige issue and immediately reverse its decision of barring entry of Togadia into Bengaluru," he demanded.
Yeddyurappa acknowledged that the decision of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to build a rest area near Maravanthe over a six-acre plot will create problems for about 45 fishermen families. "I have already discussed the issue with officials of NHAI. The officials have been instructed to choose an alternative site for the rest area to ensure that fishermen are not put to problems. In connection with the Konkan Railway displaced families from Byndoor-Yadthare, I have discussed issues with the district deputy commissioner and asked him to allot sites to them at the spot decided earlier. The sub-divisional officer has already visited the spot, and I understand that problem has been created by the forest department. The officials have assured to see that the affected families do not face injustice," he explained.
He said that the legislators from across different political parties have been extending honest advice to the state government by sinking political differences, but the government has totally neglected the issue of development. Not even 50 percent of grants allotted to various departments including irrigation, PWD, and rural development have been spent so far, he said. Observing that the state has slipped back by two years as far as development is concerned, he reminded the government that taxes paid by the people are not meant to be kept in safe custody.
Answering a question on re-introducing lottery scheme, Yeddyurappa said that clearly the government had issued a statement on the subject, and then trying to skip the issue. 'No one can concur with chief minister's close associate, Ibrahim's idea of beginning lottery scheme and distributing Idlis out of the income. The government has enough income sources, and hence lottery is not at all needed,' he opined.
The former chief minister also urged the government to drop the idea of undertaking caste-wise census, pointing out it faces widespread oppositon, and in view of the risk of the government following divide and rule policy. On former minister, Gali Janardhan Reddy, he said there are no plans to bring him back into the BJP, duly clarifying that he isnot aware what Reddy thinks now, as he had not met him of late.
'Byndoor-Hosanagar-Ranebennur road has been converted into national highway,' he noted. He reminded that he had adopted Kerady within Byndoor constituency for overall development under the ambitious programme of the Prime Minister. He said he would try his best to urge the government to start primary health centre and high school in that village. He noted that grant for the construction of toilets for houses not having this facility has already been released, and that he would impress upon the government to increase the grant sanctioned to Kerady from the present Rs 60 lac under Suvarna Grama Yojana. He reiterated his resolve to transform Kerady into a model village.
Udupi district BJP president, Tingale Vikramarjun Hegde, Byndoor constituency BJP president, B M Sukumar Shetty, state Raita Morcha vice president, Deepak Kumar Shetty, zilla panchayat member, Geetanjali Suvarna, and several other leaders were present at the press conference.
Visit to temple
"Spirituality is the real strength of the nation. Spirituality which resides inside very person should be brought to limelight. India which is marching forward with progress has become a role model for others. India stands on the foundation of religion. The religious places should encourage religious awareness among people," said B S Yeddyurappa, former chief minister and MP from Shivamogga constituency.
He was speaking at Hattiangady Sri Siddi Vinayaka temple where he inaugurated Heramba guest house and 640th branch of Karnataka bank. The guest house has been constructed at cost of Rs 1 crore, granted by government.
"One should not speak about work, but work should speak for itself. Power is not permanent. I am happy that I have spent and contributed money for good work during my tenure. Only when money is well spent, the real purpose is achieved," Yeddyurappa said.
"India has become active after Modi came to power. This century belongs to us. After Obama's visit, even China is coming towards India for fostering better relations.
"Hattiyangady temple has a history of 1600 years. After Gokarna, this is the only place which has Lord Ganesha's lookalike. When people from all round the state visit this place, it really needed a guest house. And I am happy that the guest house is ready now," Yeddyurappa added.
Jayarama Bhat , the managing director of Karnataka bank inaugurated the stage programme. Legislator K Gopala Poojary presided over.B M Sukumar Shetty, the former dharmadharshi of Kollur Mookambika temple was present. former legislator and adviser to Sri Siddi Vinayaka residential school L T Thimmappa Heggade delivered the speech on the importance of the day. Satish Achar and Narayana Mestry who worked for the guest house in different contract capacities were felicitated.
Ramachandra Bhat the administrator of temple welcomed. Principal of Siddi Vinayaka residential school H Sharankumar proposed vote of thanks. vice principal of residential school Rama Mogaveera compered.