Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Feb 10: MLA U T Khader on Wednesday, February 10 criticised the union budget tabled by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, terming it a 'loot India, sell India' budget.

Addressing a press meet at the circuit house here, Khader said, "BJP-led union government is conducting administration by heavily taxing the people. As the government has hiked the duties on petrol and diesel, the price of basic commodities is skyrocketing. Though the government has introduced the new agriculture infrastructure and development cess, the farmers are suffering as the prices of petrol and diesel are increasing every day.

"Totally, the government's budget has failed to solve the employment problem in the country and there are no special packages for fisheries either," he said.

"The government, instead of boosting the morale of people who are suffering financial uncertainty following the pandemic, is imposing taxes on people," he added.

Taking a dig at 28 MPs of BJP from the state, Khader said, "Karnataka has not received any importance in the budget. This is injustice done by the union government to Kannadigas. Why are the 28 MPs from the state silent? Why are they not speaking up about bringing grants to the state?" Khader said.

Khader also slammed the union government's move to merge public sector banks. "The union government which claims to hold 'one nation one election' has discriminated in allocating the grant to Karnataka. More funds have been allocated to states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in view of their assembly elections," the MLA said.

The Congress MLA also alleged that after the government took steps to privatize airports, it is mulling to privatize Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL). If the government privatises public sectors, where will the youth go for employment, he questioned. Now at least on the basis of reservation, the youths are getting jobs in the government sector. This is an effort to wipe out the reservation system in the country, he stated.

Khader also said that minister for minority welfare, Shrimanth Balasaheb Patil will inaugurate projects worth Rs 35 crore in Mangaluru on Thursday, February 11. He will also lay foundation stones for several other projects, informed Khader.

"The minister will also inaugurate Morarji Desai Boys School and Hostel constructed at the cost of Rs 13 crore in Asai Madaka, Morarji Desai Minority Residential Girls School and Hostel in Konaje constructed at a cost of Rs 13 crore, lay the foundation stone for the construction of the new building of Morarji Desai PU College at cost of Rs 10.5 crore. The minister will also lay the foundation stone for the construction of Maulana Azad Model Schools at Farangipete, Boliyaru, Manjanady at a cost of Rs 2.35 crore each," he said.

Replying to the queries of reporters, Khader said, "I condemn the remarks by BJP leader Jagadish Adhikari against the Billawa community and Koti-Chennayya. No one should use such remarks. The incident should be a lesson for everyone."

On former corporate and Congress leader Pratibha Kulai's statement, announcing a cash reward of one lac rupees to anyone who blackens BJP leader Jagadish Adhikari's face, Khader said, "I do not defend such statements. But, I believe it was a spontaneous outburst for the remarks made against the community," the MLA said.