Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

'Modi lost against democracy'

Udupi, Nov 9: "I do not have any personal interest in the Yettinahole project," said Dr Veerappa Moily, former union minister in a press meet here on Monday, November 9.

He was answering the allegation made by another senior Congress leader Janardhana Poojary, who had said that two leaders from Dakshina Kannada had personal interest in the project. It was construed that Moily was one of them as he is the member of parliament from Chikkaballapur, which is a major beneficiary of the water project.

"It is not me Poojary was referring to. The expert committee has given its opinion on the project. Central as well state governments are aware of these facts," Moily added.

Speaking on the defeat of BJP in Bihar polls, Moily said, "BJP spent huge money on Bihar elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lost on three fronts - against democracy, against secularism and against Bihar. Now he should admit that it is his personal defeat. This is lesson for him for sidelining seniors in administration and all other matters. Economy is in bad shape. The RBI is not functioning properly. People have realised that they were taken for a ride.

"Presently there is a debate on reservation. Social justice and reservation are necessary for development, and Bihar election is a wake up call for those who are against them. Intolerance is increasing in the country. Freedom of expression is very important and this election is an answer for those who try to curb individual freedom," he asserted.

He further said, "If all parties with secular principles come together, secularism will be saved. Democracy is the DNA of secularism. In future also democracy will survive.

"BJP is polarising the people. Amit Shah keeps raising the slogan of 'Congress Mukt Bharat' - Bihar election is an answer for that," he added.

"During Congress rule at the centre, no banks closed but now even banks are bankrupt. Modi is trying to boost his personal image rather than the country's image. Bihar election is a lesson to Modi," Moily said.

On exit poll predictions going wrong, he said, "It is very difficult to trust the exit polls these days. The question is whom to trust."

On celebration of Tipu Jayanti, he said, "Tipu had fought for freedom of the country, even history says that. You cannot twist history. Opposition to Tipu Jayanti is an attempt to spoil the peace in society.