Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Mar 28: "Liquor should be banned in Karnataka state. We do not want women to shed tears over their alcoholic husbands. Liquor is opium and a curse to our society," said Congress senior leader Janardhan Poojary in a press meet here on Saturday March 28.

He congratulated former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajapayee on being conferred the greatest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.

Addressing the press meet, he said, "People should have cast their votes for the Congress party in the Lok Sabha elections, but the party respects the verdict of the people. Recently, CM Siddaramaiah presented a people-friendly budget and enforced many schemes to uplift the deprived, especially the Ksheera Bhagya, Anna Bhagya and other such schemes."

He further said that he would not even discuss the possibility of compromising on the sale of liquor with KPCC and AICC. "I am firm on my views. Liquor should be banned in the state," he reiterated.

Regarding IAS officer D K Ravi’s suspicious death, he said, "CM did a good job by handing over the case from CID to CBI; better late than never. The CM has responded positively to the public demand. The investigation should be completed soon and all suspicions surrounding the death should be cleared."

Commenting on the Land Bill, he said, "Farmers are the backbone of Indian economy. We cannot live without food. Farmers should be kept in mind while passing the Land Acquisition Bill. Farmers need to retain their fertile lands. PM Modi should clarify on the Land Acquisition Act."

He expressed concerns over the increase in violence and harassment in coastal areas, and attacking the Sangh Parivar, he said, "Hindu associations tried to malign Mother Theresa’s character which was not called for. Minority communities have contributed a lot for the development of education in the country."

He also participated in International Women's Day celebration organized by district Mahila Congress Udupi the same day. On this occasion, Poojary said, "Sonia Gandhi has supported me a lot. Culture is sustained by women in society. Women deal with challenging situations and are still able to love and care."

Ten members were felicitated by the block Congress for their dedicated work.

Former MLA Gopal Bhandary, Jansrdhan Thonse, Amrith Shenoy, Veronica Carnelio, president of block Mahila Congress Jayashree Krishnaraj, Laxmi Bhat Roshni, Supriya Raj, Jyothi Hebbar, block president Sadhu Billava, Mamatha Gopi Naik, Meenakshi, Sandhya Shetty, Malini Rai and Sujatha Acharya were present.