Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Dec 9: “As about 60% grants of the centre and the state government are being used through gram panchayats, the elections are important for political parties. Therefore, Congress party will try to unite from gram panchayat levels itself,” assured former minister, Vinay Kumar Sorake. He was speaking in a meeting of party activists and office bearers held under the leadership of the block Congress committee in the mini hall of R N Shetty auditorium, here, on Wednesday.

“The only achievements of the centre and the state governments are corruption in the name of coronavirus. The virus is not controlled by the banging of plates, lighting lamps and clapping hands. Many people would have starved if they had not received aid under the Annabhagya scheme of the Siddaramaiah government. Asha workers appointed during the term of the Manmohan Singh government have provided valuable service as corona warriors. Unemployed people in villages have received jobs under the Narega scheme. The state government which has no money for salaries, compensation and development is as good as absent,” he said wryly.

“The technique of sentimental and false publicity of BJP facing elections will not work this time. The financial disaster that is not seen during the last 45 years is being seen in the country now. The condition of farmers is pitiable. Valuable government lands are being given away to private people. The country is being divided in the name of caste and religion. Congress has provided water from Varahi river under the leadership of K Pratapchandra Shetty. Congress has made several other contributions including progress of municipal council. The actual happenings in the country should be made known to each voter through our party activists. We only select the candidates but our opponents steal our candidates and hatch conspiracy to defeat them. We should hold meetings in 23 gram panchayat levels and give priority to solving problems there."

Udupi district Congress committee president, Ashok Kodavoor presided over the meeting. Kundapur block Congress committee president, Hariprasad Shetty Kanmakki gave the introduction. The party’s Malyadi Shivarama Shetty, B Hirianna Chatrabettu, Shamala Bhandary, Devananda Shetty, Jyothi V Putran, Devaki P Sannayya, Ganesh Sherugar, Ashok Poojary Beejady, Ichitartha and Janaki Billava were present.

Urban development authority former president Vikas Hegde welcomed the gathering. Block Congress chief secretary, Vinod Crasto compered the programme. Treasurer Narayana Achar rendered the vote of thanks.

Vinay Kumar Sorake asked the meaning of handing over Mangaluru airport all of a sudden to corporate Adani and naming the airport after him. “Congress party will campaign against it,” he said.