Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Dec 27: “Goondas think that Karnataka is their state. But we will not allow Karnataka to become ‘goonda’ state. For this, we are taking some measures,” said minister K S Eshwarappa.

He was speaking at the Mangaluru International Airport on Friday, December 27.

Eshwarappa further said, “Goondas need to be held responsible for damaging public property during protests.”

When asked about MLA U T Khader’s statement that people from other districts should not interfere in matters of Mangaluru, Eshwarappa said, “Congress is trying to make Mangaluru a ‘goonda’ state. So Khader is delivering such statements. Is there Article 370 in Mangaluru like Kashmir? We did not spare Kashmir. Will we leave Mangaluru? We will foil Khader’s attempt to make Mangaluru a goonda and Congress state.”

When asked about withdrawing compensation to the deceased, Eshwarappa said, “We had announced the compensation for the deceased with concern and thinking that they are innocents. As their name is in the FIR, we had to withdraw the compensation. If they are proven innocent in the enquiry, we will give the compensation.”

When asked about D K Shivakumar unveiling Jesus statue, Eshwarappa said, “We welcome the construction of Jesus statue to deliver the message of peace. But D K Shivakumar has come forward to gain Christian votes. There were no Hindus present? They could have constructed Kempegowda statue or Aadi Chunchanagiri Swamiji statue. If he tries to appease Sonia Gandhi, then he will have to face former CM Siddaramaiah’s situation.”