Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Mar 30: Former minister Abhayachandra Jain criticized the BJP party over the development of Karnataka state, asserting that most of the developmental works were carried out under Oscar Fernandes, Veerappa Moily, and Janardhan Poojary. He remarked that no major industries were brought to the district under the previous MP.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, March 30, Jain stated, “From the times of independence, the Congress party has played a significant role in developing the state and the nation. Bridges, airports, and ports have been developed under Srinivas Mallya, with major advancements occurring under Veerappa Moily, who facilitated the growth of industries in the state. During Janardhan Poojary's tenure as finance minister, initiatives were undertaken to enable auto-rickshaw drivers to own their vehicles. These drivers, who were uplifted, were able to provide education for their children and build their own homes. Before Indira Gandhi, only a few people were eligible for loans; however, this changed under her leadership. Oscar Fernandes, who was close to Rajiv Gandhi, ensured the establishment of a high-quality airport in Mangaluru. Despite BJP's criticism during the initial stages of UPCL, no adverse effects were observed. Congress governments have played a significant role in road connectivity projects and the establishment of Mangalore University.

"Prominent leaders of the BJP party have not received tickets. While BJP claims to be against 'Parivaarvad’, they have supported the entire Deve Gowda/Kumaraswamy family by granting tickets not only to children but also to their in-laws. This time, the Congress party has fielded Padmaraj, a new and young candidate for Dakshina Kannada, who has made significant contributions to public development. The Congress party aims to regain power in the district after a 32-year hiatus. Veerapa Moily introduced CET and bolstered engineering colleges in the state, whereas today, the BJP focuses solely on winning elections. Congress leaders do not indulge in extravagant displays; for instance, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh continued to use Ambassador cars even after assuming office, unlike Modi, who prefers luxury foreign cars.

“The price of petrol should ideally be Rs 60, but it has been inflated, along with toll and GST, to fund elections. The Congress party has been the only party to support the poor. Therefore, an honest MP is required to advocate for the people's interests in Delhi. In 1978, we fielded Janardhan Poojary, who represented the backward community. However, BJP introduced its first leader from the backward community in 2024. The only Jain to receive a ticket was Dhananjay Kumar, and no other Jains have been nominated by the BJP,” he said.

When questioned about the steps taken by the Congress to win the election, Abhayachandra stated, "There is hope among the public and the party that we will work hard and emerge victorious."

Regarding the Mulky flyover near the Bappanadu temple, he remarked, "Fifteen years ago, there was minimal traffic. However, subsequent MPs planned the flyover in a manner that disrupted the temple, causing anguish to the people. Moreover, insignificant changes were made to the Mangalore-Karkala national highway, adversely affecting many small villages."

When asked about the effectiveness of Congress' guarantee schemes and unemployment, Abhayachandra commented, “Yes, Congress voters are predominantly poor individuals, and BJP dismisses the notion of providing them with even a modest sum of Rs 500-1000, fearing bankruptcy. However, they readily offer loan waivers to benefit industrialists. Annabhagya Yojana was initiated in Karnataka and later nationalized under Manmohan Singh's government. Regarding unemployment, NREGA was launched by Congress, benefiting numerous poor individuals. However, the current government is facing financial constraints. Modi promised to create 2 crore jobs, but today, only the IT sector offers employment in Karnataka. The IT Park in Bengaluru was established by the Congress government. While people credit Modi for India's development, they fail to acknowledge the living conditions before his tenure. Gandhi and Nehru, both barristers, prioritized public service over personal gain. Today, no politician is willing to send their child to the army, yet why must sacrifices always be made by the poor?"

Responding to Padmaraj's assertion that BJP would try to win based on Hindutva and MP Nalin's claim of greater development under the NDA government, Abhayachandra remarked, "We will contest and reclaim our stronghold. Why did Modi not address the water crisis in our state? National highway and railway track doubling projects were initiated by Oscar Fernandes, and under Siddaramaiah's leadership, numerous dams were constructed in the state. During my tenure as MLA, the Maravoor dam was built. We opposed privatization, unlike BJP, which disregards opposition. The Congress has introduced numerous initiatives, but the younger generation may not be aware of them. We prioritize education as the greatest wealth. Unlike them, we do not endorse dynastic politics by awarding tickets to entire families. Oscar Fernandes lost once and chose not to contest again. Veerapa Moily wanted to contest, but due to age and caste considerations, we did not nominate him. Modi's attire may be expensive, but when Kumaraswamy did not nominate candidates, how did Yediyurappa react? At least there is democracy in our party."

Neeraj Pal, Sudheer, Vikas Shetty, and Nazeer were present at the occasion.