Pics: Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jan 1: Karnataka social welfare and backward classes welfare minister, H Anjaneya, on Sunday January 1, visited Sri Krishna Math here and shared lunch with the devotees of the Math.
The minister who was in city after his village stay programme on Saturday December 31 in Kundapur taluk, met Pejawar Swamiji and took his blessing during the interaction.
Later, speaking to the media Anjaneya said, "Pejawar Swamiji has given equal importance to people of all religions. I believe that there is no discrimination in the Math as some people allege."
When asked about the plight of Koraga people in the district in terms of access to healthcare, he said, "We have improved their condition a lot. Now they can even go to high-tech hospitals for treatment. We have released Rs 1 crore so far for their medical care in the district."
Asked for his opinion on the statement made by state health minister Ramesh Kumar that public representatives should not bow down to religious heads, Anjaneya declined to comment and said, "You should ask him about it. Why you are asking me?"
Later, Anjaneya had lunch with the devotees at the Math. He did not demand any special treatment nor any special place, plate or chair. He sat like an ordinary person and ate what was served to him, while some other politicians accompanying him did not join him.
District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj, Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes were present among others.