Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Sep 17: On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 71st birthday, Lok Sabha member from here and union minister, Shobha Karandlaje, distributed food kits to the Koraga families. "Serving the nation and the poor people are very close to Modi's heart. Service activities make him happy. BJP is involved with service activities in various ways. My best wishes and greetings to the Prime Minister on his birthday. I pray to Lord Krishna and Goddess Chamundeshwari to grant him the strength to protect the country and to lead it to further eminence," she said on the occasion.
On the issue of protest by Hindu organizations relating to the demolition of a temple in Mysuru district, she said that temples, mosques and churches are the centres of faith and it is the responsibility of everyone to protect them. "If the prayer centres are located in illegal places, advance intimation should be given to the local people, who should be convinced, and alternate arrangements have to be made. Only then the government should think of evicting the structures. People have a lot of faith in the centres of faith besides devotion and love," she reasoned. "When emotions are hurt, people hold protests. Hurting people from any of the communities or classes of people does not augur well for those involved. My request to the state governments is to convince the local people if any illegal temple structure is found," she clarified.
On the issue of bringing petrol within the GST regime, Shobha said that an important meeting on the subject is being held in Lucknow today. She felt that if petrol is brought within the GST system, it may prove to be advantageous to the people. "Modi is trying that I am sure that the nation will welcome the decision being taken today," she added.
In the matter of alleged religious conversions by Christian missionaries, she said religious conversions have been taking place not only in coastal Karnataka, but also in other places. She said that these conversions are executed by making use of the weaknesses of Hindus. She urged the government to toughen the law relating to religious conversions and to take all steps to stop this activity.