Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Aug 19: Former MP, Jayaprakash Hegde, who charged BJP of creating a hoax during electioneering by spreading misinformation that the UPA government had taken an initiative to ban use of arecanut, sought clarification from the BJP regime on this issue.

"If the UPA-led central government had proposed to impose ban on arecanut, the BJP government can very well withdraw it now. It is a wrong on the part of BJP to try to reap political benefit out of every opportunity by spreading false information. I ask the BJP leaders to come out with clear explanation on the above issue," he stressed.

Addressing a press conference at Press Club here on Monday August 18, Hegde felt that it was wrong on the part of BJP to unnecessarily create confusion in the minds of arecanut growers. "Those who work for the welfare of arecanut farmers honestly should be thanked. It is wrong to provide false information to these farmers. The pro-farmer moves undertaken by the previous UPA government have benefitted arecanut growers. The growers have availed of benefits arising out of increased prices of arecanut among others," Hegde claimed.

Central School: Hegde noted that out of four Kendriya Vidyalayas (central schools) allotted to Karnataka, one has been set aside for Udupi. 'Orders in this respect had been issued in March this year, and the announcement was delayed on account of election. This district got central school as a result of efforts of Congress party, and BJP does not deserve any credit for this achievement, he said. To prove his point, he challenged the concerned to verify the date of the original order issued in this connection.

About the rumour that the government is considering a proposal to permit increase generating capacity of Udupi Power Corporation, he felt that it is important to pool opinion of the locals before taking this step. He said that it is important to gather total opinion of the people of the region, considering that a number of agitations had earlier taken place against generating thermal power here.

On the issue of repairing of national highway, he said that repair of the highway is the responsibility of National Highways Authority of India. He wanted the MPs to bring pressure on the concerned to complete four-laning work of national highway at the earliest. He felt that the union minister for surface transport has to take interest in this matter. He promised to take up the issue of damaged state highways in the region with PWD minister.

Varahi: Hegde wanted a detailed investigation to be undertaken relating to Varahi Irrigation Project in its entirely. He feared that if works are stalled now in the name of investigation, the project might take another decade or more to finish. Hence, he wanted the works and investigation to move ahead together. Noting that Rs 592 crore has already been spent for this project, he said that Upa Lokayukta has already been investigating the matter.

Town Congress president, Ganesh Sheregar, general secretary, Vinod Crasta, former vice president of town municipal council, Jacob D'Souza, were present.