Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Mar 23: Ex-chief minister and Congress Party candidate from Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency S Bangarappa charged the BJP with misusing the state’s exchequer by distributing money to Maths, religious centres and the Sangh Parivar. Those in power have totally neglected to uplift the financial condition of the state which is in doldrums and failed to respond to the problems being faced by poor people, farmers, labourers and the fishermen, he added.

Speaking to the press persons at Siddapur in the taluk on Sunday March 22, he said there is sluggishness in the state's growth. The problems of the masses have not been attended to and the government finds it hard to regulate them. The BJP, which came to power by declaring in its manifesto that rice would be provided to the poor people at Rs 2 a kg, ensure uninterrupted power supply, issue BPL cards to all poor people, pay unemployment allowance and subsidy to farmers, has deceived the innocent people who trusted what it said, he said.

"The BJP leaders have been spreading the rumour that I have suffered an injury to my legs. I am hale and healthy. But the BJP leaders do not have both the heart and intelligence.  I am being branded as an old man. At a time when 80-year old Advani aspires to become the Prime Minister of the country, what is wrong if a man like me, who is 74-year old, nourishes some aspirations?," he questioned.

Several parts of the Malnad are facing the naxal menace. Several basic problems of the region continue to be neglected. The government should mitigate these problems, hold talks with the naxals and see that the people here get to lead a decent life, Bangarappa felt.