Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru Feb 2: MLA U T Khader has termed the Budget 2022 'Aathma Barbaad.'Addressing the media here on Wednesday, February 2, Khader said, "We have witnessed one of the worst budgets which is not beneficial for the people. The budget announced is against all the states. At least in the earlier budget certain funds were allocated for every state. This time around everything is being clubbed together."

"The Centre wants all the state governments to be like slaves and plead with it. This is another form of dictatorship. The government has betrayed Karnataka in the Budget 2022. When Congress took out a rally on the Mekedatu issue, BJP claimed it was the central government’s project and Congress is politicizing it. Then why was it not mentioned in the budget? There was no announcement on education, students, irrigation or railways. Earlier, they had announced providing 2 crore jobs which has now come down to 80 lakhs,"  said Khader.

He opined that the Centre giving importance to digital currency or virtual currency in the budget is encouraging conversion of black money to white. "The budget is not an Atma Nirbhar one. On the contrary, it is an 'Aatma Barbaad' budget. People have rejected the budget as they have lost faith in the government, claimed Khader.

Regarding protests over converting the restroom to a prayer room in a Railway station in Bengaluru, Khader said, "I strongly condemn the move. The Railway department should come forward and clarify if it has converted the restroom to a prayer room. Government has to question the railway department and order a probe into the issue. Those opposing, instead of taking law into their hands let them write a letter to the Railway department.

Regarding the Ballalbagh incident, Khader said, "When such incidents occur, parents will hesitate to send their children to colleges in Mangaluru. This is a huge loss for Mangaluru. People have realized the difference between Congress and BJP government."When asked about Hijab row, Khader said, "It has been resolved with the college management and parents as it should not blow up into a political issue. If it takes a political angle the issue will not be resolved. Now that they have moved legally, let the court decide. The issue should not affect children’s future."