Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Feb 15: District in-charge minister and minister for forest and ecology, Ramanath Rai on Monday February 15 released the district Congress manifesto for the upcoming zilla panchayat (ZP) and taluk panchayat (TP) elections. While the first phase of the polling for ZP and TP elections in the state was held in 15 districts on February 13, the second phase will be held in rest of the state, including Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, on February 20.

Addressing the gathered, Rai said, "This manifesto is prepared by the district Congress as a combination of the state Congress manifesto and the requirements of the district. It is a pro-developmental manifesto. We have fulfilled about 80 percent of the promises we made during the Assembly elections. If we come to power in zilla and taluk panchayats, we will give more importance to the development of rural parts of the district.

"Even though BJP was in power in ZP and TP during the previous term, they still accuse Congress of neglecting the rural areas. There has been no development in the rural areas, and if at all there is any, it is because of the seven Congress MLAs in the district."

Speaking about the manifesto, he said, "The party promises to provide sites for the landless. We aim to introduce solar power in every household. Along with this, we also aim to make the district a kerosene-free by providing gas connections to every household. We are also working to eradicate the drinking water scarcity through Bahugrama drinking water project. We will also strive to promote rural games and provide job opportunities at the gram panchayat level through job fairs."

On the issue of Kumki rights he said, "BJP could have given the Kumki rights when it was in power for eight years. Now they are simply politicizing the issue to target the Siddharamiah government.

"I urge the people of the district to evaluate and compare the developmental works done by the BJP and the Congress and cast their votes," he added.

Former minister B A Moideen, MLC Ivan D'souza, district Congress interim president Ibrahim Kodijal, former mayors Shashidhara Hegde and K Ashraf, and AICC member PV Mohan were present.