Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS/HB/JD)

Udupi, Mar 31: The staff of B R Shetty hospital met MLA Raghupati Bhat and expressed their concern over their employment after the state government takes over the management of the hospital.

Bhat assured the employees that the government was with them. He said, “All the staff and personnel of the hospital will be retained on contract basis like before. Name of B R Shetty hospital will also remain. The process of government takeover is not yet complete. Government is working under a certain system. It will not take any sudden decision with regard to the employees."

“CM should take a decision based on humanity, keeping in mind the future of the hospital employees. The pending salary of December month is given to the employees of the hospital as Rs 30 lac grant under Ayushman was released. In addition, the bills of laundry and canteen amounting to Rs 5 lac is pending.

“I will discuss with the CM and minister concerned and then take suitable action. There is no need to panic. If a new contract is made, first priority will be given to existing employees.”

Halal meat controversy – Feelings of Hindus hurt: MLA Bhat

“Now the Hindu is aware. They brainwashed the students, hurt the feelings of Hindus. We have not instigated any controversies or clashes,” said MLA Raghupati Bhat.

Bhat further said, “Earlier Muslims closed down Hindu shops at Bhatkal. Now the Hindus are alert. I also wish that this issue is resolved. Udupi is a communally harmonious district."

“There is no need of closing down Halal meat selling shops. There is no need of eating Halaal meat. Now the Muslim girl students of government college have approached the Supreme Court. We feel that once the Supreme Court pronounces the verdict the situation will return to normal.”

'Do not compare protest by Hindus against Sabarimala verdict with Hijab judgement'

MLA Raghupati Bhat said that it was not right to compare the protest that was held by Hindus over the verdict of Supreme court on entry of women to Sabarimala shrine with Hijab issue.

Bhat said, “Do not compare the Sabarimala issue with the Hijab controversy. Religious rituals carried out in temples and college uniform matters are not the same. It is not right to compare the verdict given on Hijab by the high court of Karnataka and the verdict of Supreme Court on Sabarimala temple entry to women. If a verdict goes against a church, mosque or temple, it can be opposed. But it is not right to oppose the rules of a public organization.”

Taunting deputy leader of the opposition in state assembly U T Khader, Bhat said, “As an MLA, no one can make favouritism in terms of awarding tenders. For every work tender is called online. Tender is given to those who are eligible and bid the lowest price."

“BJP MLAs are not against Islam religion. We have never asked for a ban on Hijab. We have supported the government order with regard to temple premises. MLAs are public representatives. We do not favour any particular religion. I support equality. Over appeasement of one community is not at all right.”