Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun 23: Lampooning leader of the opposition in state assembly, Siddaramaiah, BJP state president, K S Eshwarappa, advised him to find a firm base in regions ravaged by floods and famine, as he has lost his traditional base. He was speaking to reporters, who had sought his reaction on Siddaramaiah’s plans to visit flood and drought-hit areas and stay in villages there overnight.

“Siddaramaiah claimed himself to be the saviour of backward classes. The leaders of backward classes are now increasingly backing the BJP. Therefore, Siddaramaiah has lost his traditional base. Now for his own well-being, it would be good if he shifts his base to drought and flood-hit areas of the state,” he said sarcastically.

About the failure of the government to invite farmers to the high-level meeting on Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Project (NICE), a point raised by the opposition, Eshwarappa felt this was not at all an important issue. “As the Chief Minister has promised to return excess land to the farmers concerned, there is no point in heaping accusations at the government,” he added.

On the rumours about the disinterestedness shown by senior legislators for the post of the chairman of the legislative council, he dismissed the notion as a media creation. “Our candidates will win in the legislative council elections. Senior legislators would be chosen by the party for the chairmanship of the council,” he reiterated.

On the check bounce case in flood relief works, Eshwarappa felt that this would have occurred due to some clerical error. He insisted that the government had taken sufficient actions to ensure that the flood-affected families get rehabilitated. “For reasons beyond our control, house constructions have been a little delayed,” he said.