Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 17: District congress president Harish Kumar ridiculed the BJP, saying that problems cannot be resolved by staging dances and drama.

Addressing a press meet at the Congress Bhavan in Mallikatte, he termed yesterday’s protest by the BJP as “a picnic-like event” where leaders were seen singing and dancing. “There is no need to pretend to be helpless, undertake padayatras to Bengaluru, or give deadlines to the Speaker. We will not put you through such troubles. Stop political gimmicks. Why did your government fail to grant licenses when you were in power? Our government has provided a permanent solution. Earlier only five people had licenses, now 25 have been given. With these licenses, traders can carry on peacefully without harassment from authorities, and this facility will remain regardless of which government comes to power,” he said.

Commenting on the CRZ sand issue, he said, “For the last five years, sand has not been available without central government clearance. Despite repeated assurances from Kota Srinivas Poojary, nothing materialized. Earlier, the late Oscar Fernandes had solved the issue because people needed CRZ sand. Why did the NDA government and its MPs fail to do the same? Why is sand not available at Rs 2,000 at people’s doorsteps? Do they not bear responsibility? Even daily wage workers are affected. During the monsoon, the area under Pumpwell bridge turns into a stream. Oscar Fernandes had concreted the road from Gundya to Maranahalli, but this government is not capable of extending the work by even 10 km. They talk of love jihad but do nothing about it. Instead, they dance in the name of Kempu Kallu. The Siddaramaiah government is not sleeping, it is you who are pretending to be asleep,” he said.

He further accused BJP leaders of misleading the people. “If you really care about the people, did you meet the in-charge ministers and legislators when they visited the district to discuss solutions? Did you fulfil your responsibility? If grants are secured using letterheads of defeated candidates, how does it matter to you? Is it a loss for you? If you were not capable of achieving it, should we not appreciate those who did? Stop engaging in petty politics,” he added.