Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Feb 10: Karnataka health and family welfare minister, U T Khader, observing that petroleum prices have come down drastically at global level, felt that petrol can be sold at Rs 30 a litre in the country. He wondered why has the central government not brought down petroleum prices so far.
"Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, had stated during the previous election that he would bring back black money stashed away in foreign destinations if voted to power, and credit a sum of Rs 15 lac to the accounts of Indian citizens. But not even 15 paise has been put into the accounts of the people here," he commented, addressing a press conference here on Tuesday February 9.
He also asked the Prime Minister to come out with clarification on the allegation made by Samanwadi Party leader, Azam Khan, that underworld fugitive, Dawood Ibrahim, was present at the marriage function of Pakistani premier, Nawaz Shariff's daughter where Narendra Modi was also present.
Khader praised state chief minster, Siddaramaiah, for implementing a number of people-centric schemes and efficient administration. "The government had several achievements to its credit, which has made people of the state to hold their heads high when moving about in the country and abroad. The previous government has done some things which had made people to hang their heads in shame. We are confident that Congress will bag 80 percent of zilla and taluk panchayat seats in the coming elections. Enthusiastic party activists and affection of the voters will prove to be a boon to the party," he predicted.
He said that at the zilla panchayat level, central and state grants were not properly utilized in the previous nine years. Adding that people are now seeking a change, he said this will also brighten the chances of Congress. About statement made by union minister, Maneka Gandhi, about conducting pregnancy tests, he asked her to review and retract her statement.
On the controversy created by remarks made by veteran leader, Janardhana Poojary, at the party activists meet at Mysuru, he acknowledged Poojary to be senior to him in terms of experience in political field. He said that Poojary had brought to the notice of the chief minister what he had observed in the backdrop of his own experience, adding that the chief minister will take into consideration his suggestion before taking steps. He felt that too much importance need not be attached to this issue.
"We can never think of undertaking electoral campaigns in the district without the participation of Janardhana Poojary, Oscar Fernandes, and Veerappa Moily. We follow these leaders, who built the party here. Their guidance and cooperation will help us to take the party to greater heights," he stated.
'Nammura Habba'
Khader stated that 'Nammura Habba - 2016' programme on the occasion of the third annual day of Abhinandan Cultural Trust will be held at Shalini Ground (Chandragupta Maurya Stadium) at Jayanagar fifth block Bengaluru between 10.30 am and 10 pm on February 13 and 14 this year. Khader happens to be the honorary adviser for the programme.
The minister explained that 'Nammura Habba' will provide a venue for the people from coastal Karnataka settled at Bengaluru, and also to introduce to people from other parts of the state and Bengaluru the richness of culture, folklore, sports, lifestyle, and delicacies of coastal region of the state.
"Kannada Sahitya Parishat former president, Pundalika Halambi, former minister, K Jayaprakash Hegde, local MLA, B N Vijayakumar and others will take part in the inaugural being organized at 10.30 am on February 13. In the evening, sportsperson, Dr Malati Krishnamurty Holla in individual section, and Hotel Industrialists Cooperative Bank, will be honoured with 'Kireeta' awards," he stated.