Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Nov 6: MLA U T Khader on Saturday November 6 lashed out at the central and state BJP governments over the issue of fuel price and said that the recent reduction in prices of petrol and diesel were only to 'pacify' the public who are frustrated by the government.

Addressing a press meet here, Khader said, "BJP government has reduced the price of petrol and diesel marginally. They are trying to pacify the public who are utterly frustrated with the continuous increase in prices of fuel. Now they reduced the prices. It took 70 years to reach Rs 70 per litre of petrol, but BJP took only seven years.

"Finance minister said that reduction of fuel prices is not in government's control. But after they lost the elections they reduced the prices. This is the defeat of the ruling BJP government and victory of the common man. The price of essential commodities has still not been brought down. Why is the government not taking any action in this matter? Let them issue an order to reduce the prices of essential commodities.

"The BJP government has reduced the load of corporate sectors, which has resulted in a loss of a crore annually. In order to reduce the load on corporate companies, the BJP government has burdened common people. The achievement of this government is highest price of petrol in whole continent of Asia. The price of petrol is less in countries which are economically more backward than India. Government did not heed to protests and press conferences. Now when the public taught them lesson in election, they reduced the prices. People of the country are facing economic hardship,” Khader said.

Khader also criticized the state government on the selection of awardees of Kannada Rajyotsava."Yakshagana and Bharatanatyam, which are the traditional cultural art of Dakshina Kannada district were not taken into consideration while selecting the awardees. Where are those who assumed power speaking about tradition and culture of the district? They have insulted the district. We condemn this act.

"The minister who represents the coastal districts is the minister for Kannada culture department. You did not consider Babu Rai, who is 100 years old. This is nothing less than insult to our district," he said.

With respect to the issue of alleged insult to Dalits by former chief minister Siddaramaiah, Khader said, "Those who are arguing about this issue are not followers of Ambedkar. They are devotees of Godse. Where were these protesters when BJP spoke about the constitution that Ambedkar did not form it alone? Now let them go to BJP office and ask this question.

"It is Congress which brought reservations for Dalits. During our tenure many schemes were implemented for uplifting Dalits. We have sanctioned plots to Dalits. What has BJP given? Let the Dalits who are protesting now, approach the BJP office and ask this question.”

Reacting to the issue of naming Suratkal circle after Veer Savarkar, Khader said, "No one has said that Savarkar was not a freedom fighter. Scores of people have sacrificed their lives for the independence of India. Countless people were hanged by the British for the cause of freedom. During the British regime many people were in prison. During that time even Savarkar was in prison. But who is the one who wrote apology letter to the British saying that what he had done was wrong? That is the difference. Now we should discuss about the issues faced by the public and not get busy naming circles."