Pics: Umesh Marpalli (Udupi)
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, May 25: Udupi-Chikkmagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje on Monday May 25 listed out the achievements of the BJP-led NDA goverment at the centre in the last one year and said that security and growth of the nation were her party's topmost priorities right from day one.

Addressing a press meet at the district BJP office here, Karandlaje said, "We have completed one year in power at the centre and the main aim of our party right from day one has been ensuring security and growth of the nation. BJP emerged as the single largest party to rule the centre after 30 years."

Drawing comparisons between the present NDA government and the erstwhile UPA, she said, "After BJP came to power the GDP has risen to 8.59% from 7.4% during UPA rule. The foreign inflow has risen to 55 billion dollars compared to 14 billion dollars during the UPA rule. The foreign exchange has crossed 350 billion dollars, and inflation has come down to 4.87% and petrol prices have also seen a sharp fall after the BJP assumed power.

"Due to the dedicated efforts of PM Narendra Modi and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, the government has passed a bill to operationalise the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh which is a huge success for the BJP government. UPA government was not keen on border security, but BJP government has purchased arms and ammunitions to safeguard the borders. Moreover, FDI in defence will increase the manufacture of arms and ammunitions within the country and we want to make the army self-reliant in the coming years," she added.

"Everyone was criticizing the government on the black money issue. The passing of the recent Black Money Bill will make sure no one will dare to stash illegal money in foreign banks, as the punishment under the bill, if found guilty, is 10 years of imprisonment and fine of 200 percent. The reason why the BJP government is keen on the Land Acquisition Bill is so as not to compromise with the security concerns of the nation and development of the country, as the bill introduced in the past was was anti-development. But we have not compromised on the issue of compensation to farmers, they will get four times the market value which was was not given in the previous bill," she asserted

"The Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a huge success. The recently launched Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) will provide insurance cover in the unfortunate event of death by any cause or disability due to an accident, the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) will address the income and security needs of the aged," she added.

"Swachh Bharat Mission aims at the construction of over 800 million toilets and setting up of modern sewage system to rid the country of open defecation by 2019. Nearly 50 lac toilets have already been constructed accross the nation and also, under this mission ST and SC communities are provided Rs 15,000 and the rest are provided Rs 12,000 to construct toilets in their houses. Rs 1,500 crore has been sanctioned for the skill development mission.

"There are many more areas where the BJP government led by PM Narendra Modi has been working and through his several foreign visits, the image of the nation has changed. Many nations are now coming forward to invest in India, as India is considered the best place for investment now. I congratulate the BJP government on its achievements in the past one year," she concluded.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Dakshina Kannada BJP president Pratap Simha Nayak, state BJP executive committee member Monappa Bhandary and others were present.

Udupi

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, May 25: Addressing a press meet on similar lines in Udupi earlier in the day, MP Shobha Karandlaje said, "Indo-Bangladesh Border Bill is a good development which will enable cultural exchange between the two nations. The bill will help in stopping the growth of naxalism and terrorism."

"Goods and Service Tax Bill will further enhance the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh," she added.

Replying to a statement published in a newspaper that the defence department has weapons only to last for 20 days in case of a war, she said, "India has invested in FDI to strengthen the defence sector.

"Nearly 80% of the weapons are being import from other nations. Due to FDI, job opportunities will increase. FDI will help to reduce our dependency on other nations and India will be able to produce its own technology."

Recalling her journey to north-eastern states, she said, "There is no land available for the government in Arunachal Pradesh because tribal communities have acquired all the land. The Land Acquisition Bill will help in tackling these problems. There is no proper road in some parts of our nation including Kargil."

Regarding the lottery scam in the state, she said, "Nearly 32 police officers were involved in the lottery scam, but no one has been punished. Why aren't the chief minister and the home minister responding to sand mafia, stone mining and illegal liquor barons? Sand mafia causes a loss of 7,000 crore to the exchequer. Even ministers encourage their children to get into such illegal activities.

"CM Siddaramaiah should take these issues seriously and take stern actions against the culprits. Bengaluru is not safe anymore. It is transforming into a hub of gambling, scams and illegal activities. The state has the power to deal with these issues but the ministers should act," she concluded.