Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jun 13: Rajya Sabha member, Oscar Fernandes received a stately welcome by the district block Congress committee members at Congress Bhavan here on Monday, June 13.
Oscar thanked Sonia Gandhi and all the party members who supported him in winning the elections.
Addressing the gathering he said, "We should not forget our pre-independence days. Freedom fighters fought for basic amenities such as roof, food and clothes. If we do not remember all those tough days, we cannot build a new nation in the future,"
"The UPA government has made our dream come true by implementation of directive principles of state policy by making education mandatory for all children. Indira Gandhi sacrificed her life for the country. It is our duty to recall her sacrifices. History correctly answers all queries about the Gandhi family. We should work towards strengthening our nation and India should stand as one of the powerful nations in the world by 2020." he added.
This is the fourth time Oscar Fernandes won the Rajya Sabha elections.
Vinay Sorake speaking on the occasion said, "Oscar’s service and contributions towards development of the district is tremendous. He has involved himself in all developmental works such as Varahi project, construction of sugar factory, Konkan Railway, upgradation of Malpe-Agumbe road to national highway. In all his years in service, he has brought in Rs 1,200 crore from the CRS fund.”
Commenting on Modi’s foreign tour, “PM's tours are only for improving the market status. He has failed in meeting all his promises in his two years of power.”
“Modi is propagating old schemes, which were introduced by the UPA government. The central government grant for state government has been reduced from 80% to 40%. Petrol and crude oil prices are coming down in the global market, but why has this not happened in India?" Sorake asked.
Veronica Carnelio, president, Udupi Zilla Mahila Congress unit, Gopal Poojary, MLA, Byndoor, M A Gafoor, Dinesh Putran, Sarala Kanchan, president, Mahila Okkuta, Sarasu D Bangera and other party workers were present.
On being questioned by the media as to who will be the right person for the post of national party president, Oscar said, "It is left to the party high command, Sonia Gandhi and her family members. Whatever decision is to be taken will be taken by the party high command. I will agree and will go with it. There is no controversy about it."
Sorake replying to a question on, D K Shivakumar’s name highlighted for the post of KPCC president, said “CM's and party vice president's decision is final and I will accept any decision taken by senior party leaders. They have not collected opinions from us regarding the selection of D K Shivakumar.
On DySP Anupama's resignation he said, "It was not an urgent decision taken by the state government. She resigned on the day of the police officers’ strike. No one has done it before. First of all, I did not have much information about her resignation, even though her hometown is in my constituency."
Byndoor MLA Gopal Poojary spoke to media persons separately on the occasion. He said, "I am also one of the aspirants for the post of minister in the upcoming cabinet reshuffle. I was elected for the fourth time for MLA post and worked as the district party president for many years. If the party gives me a chance, I will accept it. I have also appealed to the high command and Oscar Fernandes regarding this. I am expecting a positive response, as I am a senior politician. Finally, I will stand by the decision taken by Sonia Gandhi."