Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (DV)

Udupi, Jan 9: "The Congress is holding Mekedatu padayatra with political intention. March during the time of pandemic will not bring pride to them. A political protest cannot be a common man's protest," said Social Welfare and Backward Classes Welfare minister Kota Srinivas Poojary.

Speaking to media persons, he said, "The issue of Mekedatu is before the court. People are aware of it. The chief minister said that our government has given priority to the Mekedatu project. Unless the matter is resolved in court, the project cannot be implemented. Thus, it is not right to hold a protest,” he said.

Over the issue of distribution of brown boiled rice, he said, “The union government has given the nod to distribute brown boiled rice to the people of Dakshina Kannada-Udupi. For the twin districts, a lac quintal rice will be released. When I was the in-charge minister, I made this effort. I thank the chief minister, food and civil supplies minister Umesh Katti and food and civil supplies corporation vice president Kodgi for their recommendations.”

Paddy has been purchased from several places already, he said.

Speaking on former chief minister Siddaramaiah's comment on BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel, Poojary said, "Siddaramaiah does not know the sentiment behind the comment that he has made. We are proud of Nalin Kumar Kateel's young age. Nalin took charge as state president through his organising skills.

"I have won elections without spending even a rupee and it is due to Nalin. The organising skills of Nalin brought victory to party workers like me. B S Yediyurappa has said that we will face the next election under the leadership of Nalin Kumar Kateel. The organising skills of Nalin may be a threat to Siddaramaiah," Kota said.