Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (MM) – pics - Dayananda Kukkaje

Mangalore, May 25: It is after a long time that Congress heavyweights from Coastal districts Veerappa Moily, Oscar Fernandes and Janardhan Poojari joined together for a press conference. After the general elections which were held at 2004, it was for the first time that these political stalwarts were seen together sharing a single stage or addressing a joint press meet.

Veerappa Moily, former chief minister and present chairman of Union Administrative Reforms Commission said that Ullal is like mini India. People from all classes and castes live in and around Ullal. It is a hub of democracy. It is only to get some votes that BJP trying to stir up the communal harmony. But, social fabric should not be disturbed here. That is the overall objective of Congress, he opined.

“We have come to politics with objectives, not for any post and power. We fought for liberation of the tenants, fishermen’s problems etc. we have done substantial work for these people,” he added.

People of this coastal area are successful in gaining reputation in any part of the world. But, the curfew, which was imposed in last October, has tarnished its reputation and has sent a wrong message to the world, about the district. “But measures would be taken after the elections to bring back the glory of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts,” he informed.

Ullal is a strong fortress of Congress party. No power can break it. Because, Congres’ opponents have not done any thing for this constituency. When communal clashes took place in the district, chief minister never came here. Now he is here only because of election,” Moily commented.

Speaking about the pathetic condition of Bangalore-Mangalore road, he said that the traffic was never blocked at Shiradi till the last year. The central government is providing fund for these national highways. But, the state government has to take the initiative. On the other hand, the engineers working for national highways are from state government and even the MP for this region is belongs to BJP which is one of the coalition partners in the state, he added.
“Except village stay (Grama Vastavya), the chief minister Kumaraswami is not getting any publicity. All the publicity has been hijacked by BJP and deputy chief minister Yadiyurappa. I sympathize him,” Moily said.

AICC secretary Praveen Davar, AICC observer Sudheer Savant, DCC president Blasius D’Souza and U T Khader, candidate for Ullal constituency were also present at the press meet.