Arun Uppinangady
Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (EP)
Puttur, Oct 12: BJP MP Nalin Kumar Kateel on Monday October 12 issued a warning to the state government that if the Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project was not scrapped, Dakshina Kannada district would see a protest on the scale of Ayodhya Karseva of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Nalin Kumar Kateel is leading BJP's four-day padayatra against the Yettinahole project. The walkathon is expected to culminate at Yettinahole on October 13.
Addressing a press meet at Sriguru Sudheendra Kala Mandira, Uppinangady here, he said, "All, including sadhus and religious leaders are supporting the protests beyond expectations and across party lines. It is like a second freedom struggle. We are confident that we will win. Like all the rivers flow towards the sea, the aim of all the protests is one. BJP will support the protests against the project by any committee," he said.
"Just as Goddess Sridevi deity came forward to subjugate evil power, we have prepared ourselves for the destruction of evil powers. If the government does not drop the Yettinahole project, protests on the scale of Ayodhya Karseva will be seen here in the district," he warned.
"BJP will not indulge in politics when faced with the question of the survival of Dakshina Kannada district. I have not criticized anybody in particular outside the context of protests. However, some people who want the implementation of the project are trying to give a political colour to it. If they have guts let them protest from their parties against the Yettinahole project. Let the aim of all the people be one," he said.
"The protest rally is likely to reach late and we will be holding the concluding ceremony at Gundya on the evening on October 13. If its dark by the time we reach, we will be take rest at Chamundeshwari temple there and continue our journey to Yettinahole the next day morning," he informed.
Answering a question whether he supports the demand for a separate Tulunadu state, he said that he would not comment on language or sect. "The state government has neglected Dakshina Kannada district at all levels and if such attitude continues, the intellectual people of the district may demand a separate state."
BJP Dakshina Kannada district president Pratap Simha Nayak, MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik, former MLC Monappa Bhandary, district convener of the padayatra, Sanjeeva Matandoor, zilla panchayat member Keshava Gowda Bajathuru, former MLA A Rukmayya Poojary, leaders Umanath Kotian, Chandrahas Ullal and Devadas Shetty were present.