By Silvester D’ Souza

Daijiworld Media Network—Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, May 24: “The Panchayat Raj system has taken shape in the country. When the late Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister, he upheld the rights of the people in the Constitution. Panchayat Raj was strengthened by it. So, the contribution of the Prime Minister to the panchayat system is noteworthy,” said MP Oscar Fernandes.

He was speaking at a meeting of Kundapur Block Congress workers held at R N Shetty Mini Hall here.

“Rajiv Gandhi gave a dimension to the panchayat system. Sonia Gandhi aimed at a hunger free India. The government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh attempted to provide employment to all under the employment guarantee scheme. The BJP, which cannot bear it, is speaking about a Congress-free government. It will not be possible. People have identified the achievements of the Congress party. The party workers should mention them,” he said.

“Congress party supported candidates should be elected in the elections that will be held on May 29 and create a new record. The leadership of Congress should be upheld once again. The foundation of democracy is the gram panchayat system. A good result in this will help in winning the Parliamentary elections. So, Congress supported candidates should win”, added Fernandes.

District-in-charge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said that the people have given the Congress an opportunity after observing BJP misrule and corruption. “We have fulfilled 100 promises out of 168 assurances in the election manifesto. One crore eight lac people have been issued BPLcards. A total of 32,000 Anthyodaya cards have been issued. We have started free rice distribution programme, a first in the country. The long anticipated Anegalli Bridge has been approved in the area. A drinking water project has been started for supply of water from Saligrama to Sasthan. The people should see those things and support the party in the grama panchayat elections,” he said.

District Congress president and MLA K Gopala Poojary presided over the programme. MLC Pratapchandra Shetty, KPCC member M A Gafoor, district Congress member Ashok Kumar, district Congress vice-president Hiriyanna Chatrabettu, party leaders Dinakar Shetty, Manigopala, Devaki Sannayya, Jyothi Putran, municipal council members, and party supported candidates were present.