Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Feb 11: "The date for election proceedings will be announced on March 15. BJP is confident of winning from coastal districts. The Parivartan yatra, headed by state president B S Yeddyurappa came to a close successfully without any problems in 224 constituencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the culmination of Parivartana yatra at Palace ground. It will have a major impact in upcoming legislative elections," said MP Shobha Karandlaje during a press conference on Saturday, February 10 at Mahajan hall Kediyoor.

Describing the proposed tour of BJP chief, MP Shobha said, "BJP national president Amit Shah will be touring Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts from February 18 to 20 as part of elections campaign. He will visit Kukke Subrahmanya temple on February 19."

"Amitji will visit Puttur Vivekananda College and interact with students. He will also address BJP Navashakti convention at Bantwal. Later he will attend press conference at Surathkal. On the say same, Shah will take part in BJP fishermen's convention at 5 pm at Malpe and visit Sri Krishna Math the same night or next morning. He will meet Paryaya Palimaru Sri Vidyadheeshateertha Swmiji and Pejawar Swamiji. He will stay in Udupi on February 19 and take part in BJP workers meeting at 10 am and leave for Honnavar by helicopter at 1 pm. After taking part in BJP meeting there, he will reach Kumata at 2 pm and 4.30 pm to Sirsi and then leave for Hubballi," she said.

"The plan of action regarding fishermen’s upliftment, previous schemes and problems will be discussed at the fishermen convention. Five booths have been identified in coastal area like Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi for Shakti Kendra.

"It is likely that Amit Shah will visit the costal district again on February 24, 25 and 26 and Modi will come to Karnataka on February 19 to take participate in party programme at Mysuru. Special preparation is being carried out for the Karnataka assembly elections. The BJP state president Yeddyurappa decided to arrange various conventions in the four sides of the state like women’s convention, schedule caste convention and caste based convention in the state with the participation of state BJP leaders. This has been organized to boost the election campaign at booth levels.

"I have brought funds from the Central government for the development of roads, railways and educational institutions. I brought Rs 183 crore under Central Road Fund for Udupi and Rs 44.5 crore for Chikkamagluru district in fiscal year 2016-17," she said.

"I intimated union minister for road transport and highways, Nithin Gadkari regarding the poor performance of highway development and requested him to speed up the works. He has sanctioned Rs 133 crore for Udupi and Rs 183 crore for Chikkamagluru in current financial year. In total, the CRF has sanctioned fund of Rs 316 crores."

"On March 5, union cabinet minister for women & child development Menaka Gandhi may come to Udupi to inaugurate Sakhi Kendra, state’s only branch set up in Udupi to address the grievances of women. She will also inaugurate Ramakrishna Hegde Skill training centre," she said.

"There are 2000 slums in Karnataka without any basic amenities. Though, state government has provision to seek financial assistance from the Central government, they have not done it so far."

Hitting out at the state government, she said, "The Congress led state government has life span of not more than one month. Udupi people are conscious enough and they will not be influenced by anything. The educated people will not sell themselves or their votes for money."

"The president of Congress Rahul Gandhi must be taught lesson. Chief minister Siddaramaiah has been playing dirty politics to polarize the voters by taking over temple administration."

"Rahul Gandhi started Karnataka tour by visiting the temples. Where was he when Hindu activists were brutally murdered? The CM did not show any courtesy to killed Santhosh’s family. At least, he could have met his family members.

"Padubidri national highway is another bottle neck. The contracted company is facing financial crisis due to which construction work is getting delayed. The land acquisition process should be undertaken by the deputy commissioner."

Replying to reporters, MP Shobha said, "Congress leaders speak about me on daily basis without any reason. BJP party has given me responsibility to empower local leaders that’s why I am touring to various parts of the state."

"I am not interested in state politics. I am happy with my service to party and people. I am learning many things in Loka Sabha. The attitude of Karnataka chief minister, his policy and body language will surely affect the election result."

"People of the state are fed by Congress government and disgusted by CM’s behaviour. The government has completely failed in protecting the law and order state," added MP Shobha.

BJP former district president Thingale Vikramarjuna Hegde, state secretary Uday Kumar Shetty, district BJP president Mattaru Ratnakumar Hegde, zilla panchayat vice president Sheela K Shetty, Ranjith Salian, Shyamala Kundar, Suprasad Shetty, Kiran Kumar and others were present.