Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Mar 26: Senior Congress leader Janardhan Poojary on Saturday March 26 once again reiterated his demand to scrap the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) announced by the Congress state government, contending that the ACB would only weaken the Lokayukta.
Addressing a press meet here, Poojary said, "Instead of strengthening the Lokayukta, chief minister Siddaramaih is weakening it by appointing an anti-corruption bureau. The CM had good reputation in the state, but now he has spoiled it. People have begun seeing him as working in favour of corruption. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has been named among the world's 50 greatest leaders by Fortune magazine. Siddaramaiah missed this opportunity.
"ACB is there in fifteen states. It is unconstitutional to investigate one case pertaining to anti-corruption in two different agencies," he said.
"The CM to withdraw the Anti-Corruption Bureau. If this is done, then people will respect him more," he added.
Speaking on the Yettinahole project, Poojary said, "MPs and MLAs of the region do not have the courage to raise their voices against this project. They have no morality. The CM should protect the Netravati river and the ministers of the DK district should work towards the integral development of the region."
He further added, "Nearly 137 out of 176 taluks are facing acute water scarcity. The CM needs to prove his commitment in respondint to public grievances. People of Kumaradara and Yettinahole river banks have suggested solutions for their problems, but the government has to be committed in implementing them.
"The MP and MLAs of Dakshina Kannada have kept their mouths shut and have lost the ability to review the matter. They must collect public opinion," he said.
"Nearly 120 science institutions and 220 scientists have assessed the impact of Yettinahole project on climate. As per a recent study, there is possibility of getting less than 10 TMC of water from Yettinahole project.
"There is need for proper planning to meet water storage. Farmers of Karnataka have tried to increase the ground water level. Why does the Central government not put in efforts towards rainwater harvesting if he has true concern for the farmers?" Poojary questioned.
Regarding the Mahadayi project, he said, "The Prime Minister should call an emergency meeting of CMs of all the three states, namely of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Are the people of Karnataka not citizens of India? There is a need to find out an immediate solution for this problem."