Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Jun 10: "Prime Minister Narendra Modi initially thought he was God's son, but later he began to perceive himself as God. However, the people of India have shown him that he is just a normal person," remarked Dinesh Gundu Rao, district in-charge and Minister for Health and Family Welfare.

Addressing media persons on Monday, June 10, at the DC office, Dinesh Gundu Rao stated, "The Congress government couldn't organise many programmes due to the elections. Now that the elections are over and results announced, I have come to visit departments and address issues such as illegal mining of laterite soil and sand. We have discussed with officers on how to take strict action. The police department should intervene to stop it, and there is a need for thorough investigation. The police should work without any disparity. Illegal mining is against nature, and no one should violate the law. Our resources should not be misused. The deputy commissioner should take action and ensure no illegal mining occurs. We have also installed CCTV cameras, and if illegal mining persists, it becomes a departmental issue."

He further added, "According to the law, the provision for CZR should be resolved, and we are considering resolving it. We are completely against illegal mining and the storage of explosives. According to the law, those who possess explosives should have NOC, and only after that, storing or manufacturing fireworks will be allowed. The disaster management team is preparing for the upcoming rainy season. We have had discussions with many departments, and each department has been instructed to inspect their equipment regularly. The progress of Kalladka national highway is slow, and it's not fully completed. We have ordered them to finish the work within three days and instructed them to recheck the Punjalkatte to Charmadi road. In flood-prone areas with high chances of lightning strikes, we plan to install 'Lightning Arresters.' This will reduce human and economic losses. Farmers dependent on agriculture will receive compensation since the district has a budget of Rs 17 crore under disaster management funds. Officials should ensure no delays."

When asked about 'Lightning Arresters,' Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "It was first piloted in Subramanya, and in the future, we plan to install 4-6 across lightning-prone areas. One arrester can cover up to 500 meters to 1.5 km."

Regarding an incident in Boliyar where BJP supporters were stabbed, Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "Three people have been detained, and the process of their arrest is ongoing. The BJP is hypocritical and we believe anyone who has made a mistake is a mistake regardless of caste or religion."

On Lok Sabha election results, Dinesh Gundu Rao stated, "The Congress party has emerged as a strong opposition party, and we are satisfied with the results. Although Padmaraj was a good candidate, his defeat has really hurt us."

Responding to questions about his constituency members supporting the BJP candidate, Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "Lok Sabha elections are completely different from other elections; hence the voting pattern of voters also changes. We are happy that our vote share has significantly increased all across India, even in Dakshina Kannada district. Padmaraj was a good and honest candidate, but he lost because of BJP's hate politics. We knew it was difficult for Congress to win this time in Dakshina Kannada, yet we are happy that we have lost after giving a strong fight."

Harish Kumar, Ashok Rai, Mamatha Gatty, Anupam Agarwal, Mullai Muhilan, Ryshyanth, Anand Kumar, and others were present.