Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD/MS)
Udupi, Dec 3: Speaking in the city on the bandh that is called by pro-Kannada organizations against the order for the formation of Maratha Development authority by chief minister (CM) B S Yediyurappa on December 5, home minister Basavaraj Bommai said, "From the view of the state government there is no bandh on December 5. There is Supreme Court order also not to hold bandh. If anyone resorts to bandh, it will be violating the court order. I and CM have requested not to resort to bandh. We will make security arrangements at toll gates."
Responding on the imposition of night curfew in the state, Bommai said, "No discussion or meeting has taken place with regards to imposing night curfew in the state. Our wish is that people should not gather in large numbers. We will take a decision to this effect in a few days and also take action to prevent crowding of people. We will also discuss other aspects apart from the night curfew."
Reacting to the arrest of BBMP corporator Zakir in the K G Halli riot case, Bommai said, "Zakir is arrested on Thursday, December 3. As it is holiday for court on December 3, he will be produced to court on Friday, December 4. We will take him into police custody."
Giving clarification on the matter of starting of schools, Basavaraj Bommai said, "The decision to start schools will depend on the efficiency of controlling Covid pandemic. The education minister is conducting periodical discussion with parents, teachers and administrative boards of schools in this respect. There are both pro and against opinion in this matter."
On the implementation of Love Jihad law in the state, the home minister said, "Allahabad high court has given verdict that Love Jihad is an easier way for religious conversion. The governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh are mulling on this matter. We will discuss the outline of this law with regards to implementing the same in Karnataka. Law against Love Jihad will surely be implemented in Karnataka. CM Yediyurappa has also agreed to this. Former CM Siddaramaiah has said that Love Jihad is there from the time of Moghul Empire. He is still living in Moghul era."
Throwing light on cabinet expansion issue in the state, Bommai said, "CM Yediyurappa is in touch with the BJP high command with regards to the matter of cabinet expansion. He will take a decision soon. The CM can meet anyone. I cannot give any reaction on the meeting between former CM H D Kumaraswamy and Yediyurappa. The statement MLC A H Vishwanath is giving is his personal opinion. There is no friction or chaos in BJP. Ours is a national party. Decisions will be taken by national leaders and president."
Speaking on terrorist supporting graffiti in Mangaluru, he said, "Graffiti writing is used by many people even in Europe also. Our police are investigating the matter. Whoever is behind this work, will be traced. Even if it the involvement of outsiders. As we all know Mangaluru is a sensitive area, night police rounds will be increased. I have spoken to the commissioner about the situation. I have ordered to place more police personnel in dark spots.
"CCTV cameras will be installed in strategic positions. We will coordinate with the Mangaluru City Corporation to remove all the black spots. The CCTVs will be installed under Smart City project and donations received from public," he said.
In response to a query from the media on whether he wanted a house in Udupi, he said, "Not at all, I don't want a house in Udupi. As I was also tested for Covid positive I couldn't visit Udupi district very often, but I was constantly in touch with the officials through video conferences. I have ensured that no work is withheld.
Speaking about the stoppage of medical treatment to the ESI facility, Basavaraj Bommai said, "I have talked with the labour commissioner and also with the hospital administration. There is a dedicated ESI fund for the issue. The pending amount will be paid to the hospital administration soon.