Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Jun 18: On behalf of the people of Dakshina Kannada, the 'Abhinandana Samiti' of BJP on Thursday June 18 felicitated MP Nalin Kumar Kateel for being voted as the number one MP in the state for effective utilization of funds, according to a survey carried out by a Kannada daily. The programme was held at TV Raman Pai Convention Hall here.

Addressing the gathering, union minister for chemicals and fertilizers lauded Nalin Kumar and said, "Based on various parameters, people of Karnataka have selected Nalin Kateel as the number one MP in the state."

He also said that union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allowed Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizer (MCF) to continue naphtha-based production of urea till the Cochin-Mangaluru gas pipeline is ready. "MCF is the pride of Karnataka. During 2007, the then government (UPA) had ordered that only gas should be used for the production of urea and work was begun on Cochin-Mangaluru gas pipeline. The then government also said that if naphtha-based production continued, there would be no subsidy and the factory would be shut down.

"After the Modi-led government came to power in 2014, this (continuation of MCF) was first demand placed before me. It was also Nalin Kumar's demand. With the approval of PM Modi, we decided that MCF would not be closed down till the gas pipeline is ready, and till then MCF will run on naphtha. There are 5,000 people working in it and lacs of people getting Mangala urea. It is the only fertilizer plant in Karnataka, and it also serves Kerala and Tamil Nadu," he said, adding, "I am saying all because Nalin Kumar too has put in lots of efforts in ensuring that MCF continues to operate."

He further added, "I have spoken to Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy thrice regarding the pipeline project so that MCF can run for a long time. I also appeal to Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah to meet Oommen Chandy and discuss the issue.

"There is a demand for 25 lac tonne of fertilizer in Karnataka, out of which 15.5 lac tonnes are produced together by Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In this, MCF's share is 3.7 lac tonne. We have been thinking of increasing the production in MCF to meet the demand. Why can't we increase its capacity by creating feedstock through MRPL? I have also been asking CM Siddaramaiah to set up another fertilizer factory in north Karnataka on 500 acres of land," he said.

Rs 1,000-crore Polymer Park in Mangaluru

Ananth Kumar further said that the union government has planned to start a polymer park in Mangaluru, which will be one among only four in the country. "The union government has planned to set up a polymer park in Mangaluru with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore in colloboration with the state government. For this, the state government has to provide land of 150 acres. The polymer park will generate employment for 20,000 youths. Only four polymer parks have been sanctioned in the entire country, and Mangaluru is one among them," he said.

"Once the state government provides 150 acres of land, we will lay the foundation stone for the polymer park within two months," he added.

He also referred to health schemes and said, "I have been telling health minister U T Khadar from six months about starting Jan Aushadi centres at district and taluk levels to provide generic medicines at 60 percent discount. The union government is ready to do this. We can then have over 200 such centres across the state in all taluks and districts."

"Team India is when state and union governments work together to serve the entire nation," he added.

He also spoke about the recent military operation in Myanmar and said the government has zero tolerance toward terrorism.

Ananth Kumar then released a book titled 'Hejje Gurutu' which details the achievements of Modi-led government and MP Nalin Kumar.

Mysuru MP Pratap Simha lauded Ananth Kumar and said, "Ananth Kumar has been reviving fertilizer factories wherever he goes. After Modi came to power, for the first time in the history of India, China called for a flag meeting after retaliation with Chinese army at the border. This is a good example of how your vote has been useful. Modi's administration has played a strategic role even in Sri Lankan election."

He also lauded Nalin Kumar and said that people had elected an efficient leader. He recalled his days in Dakshina Kannada as a student and said that it had been a turning point in his life.

SCDCC president Rajendra Kumar congratulated Nalin Kumar and said, "We have gathered here to celebrate our MP irrespective of caste sect or religion. This shows that a common man can achieve anything. Before Nalin Kumar entered politics, I used to meet him at religious programmes. He is a person who cherishes his past. I hope in future he becomes the number one MP in the country too, we the people should cooperate with him. I urge union minister Ananth Kumar to give more responsibilities to Nalin so that he would make the city proud even more."

Chakravarti Sulibele listed out the achievements of one year of Modi government.

Nalin Kumar Kateel also spoke on the occasion and thanked everyone for the support.

Ramakrishna Mission, Mata Amritanandamayi Math and Bishop's House were congratulated on taking up the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Prabhu V P and Suryanarayana Rao, who gave up gas subsidy and SKF institution which is involved in Make in India initiative were also given bouquets as a mark of appreciation.

Pradeep Pai, MD of Hangyo Ice Cream, Rohan Monteiro of Rohan Corporation, Capt Ganesh Karnik, S Ganesh Rao, S Angara, Asha Thimappa Gowda, and others present.