Pic: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jun 2: MLC and Congress’ chief whip Ivan D'Souza on Saturday, June 2 said that he would complain to the Election Commission about the alleged malpractices of BJP and JD(S) with regard to the upcoming MLC elections to Teachers’ and Graduates’ constituencies.
Addressing media at Congress Bhavan, Brahmagiri here, he said, "BJP is reportedly giving gift bags to voters and JD(S) is inviting voters for get-together parties. This is against the election code of conduct. I will file a complaint with the Election Commission of India in this regard."
On Congress candidate for southwest teachers constituency K K Manjunath, Ivan said, "K K Manjunath Kumar is an eligible person to contest the election. He has 19 years of experience in the teaching field. We are cent percent confident that Congress will get win these two constituencies. We are ready to solve the problems facing teachers," he said.
K K Manjunath alleged that BJP was misleading voters and 'conspiring' against him.
"Congress has reserved Rs 359 crore for teachers and graduates and has decided to form a committee. There is no insurance facility for teachers and hence we have decided to provide universal health card for them. Many plans are mentioned in the manifesto. BJP is seeking votes by unfair means," said Manjunath.
Further speaking, MLC Ivan D’Souza said, "S P Dinesh Kumar is contesting from southwest graduates' constituency and K K Manjunath Kumar from southwest teachers' constituency. There are 60,000 graduates and 20,000 teachers enrolled in the voters' list.
"The highest number of teachers enrolled are in Mangaluru and graduates in Shivamogga. All preparations have been done. Many demands were fulfilled during the five years of Congress government like teachers’ recruitment, wage revision, and dearness allowance. BJP did nothing for teachers from 2008 to 2013 during their tenure. They only created problems.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that two crore jobs would be generated every year. His government has completed four years. According to his promise, 8 crore jobs should have been created in four years, but he has been able to create only 3.5 lac job opportunities. The Congress government meanwhile met global investors and generated 4.5 lac job opportunities in ITBT business. The state opposition party is fit for lying and seeking votes. BJP is trying to lure teachers by giving gifts," Ivan said.
Belle Shivaji Suvarna, Robert D’Souza, Farooq, Bhaskar Rao Kediyur, Prashanth Jathanna, Michael R D’Souza, Christon D’Souza, K C Jayaraj, and Melwyn were present.