Daijiworld Media Network - Kaup (JD)
Kaup, Aug 7: Former Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake stated that he holds no personal grudge against the MLA. He mentioned that when the MLA was denied a ticket from the Congress party, he consoled him by saying, 'Better days will come.' Sorake made these remarks during a press conference held at the Kaup Press Club on Wednesday.
Sorake clarified that he had addressed issues of neglect in the Kaup constituency during a press conference in Udupi. Recently, the MLA held a press conference in Kaup, accusing Sorake of various businesses and questioning the source of Sorake's wealth.
"Our family comes from a land-owning background. When former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi introduced the Land Reforms Act, we distributed the land ourselves. I have also served as a member of the Land Tribunal," Sorake said.
Highlighting his achievements, Sorake mentioned, "During my tenure as an MLA, I have undertaken numerous development projects without any bias. As a Lok Sabha member, I have worked on fish markets in Katpadi, Shirva, Padubidri, and Mudrangadi. In Kaup, a tsunami building, hospital building, ITI school, Morarji school, and a Rs. 52 crore research center are in the construction phase."
Sorake refuted allegations of obstructing development in Kaup, challenging anyone with evidence to come forward. "I have never engaged in any misconduct. If there is proof, let it be shown."
He raised concerns about a 38-room resort on the seashore within the Kaup municipal limits. "Does it have CRZ, Fire Brigade permissions, and a proper setback? Despite these discrepancies, how did the electricity department grant approval? Are the MLAs not involved in this? I have many such reasons to question," he said.
Sorake emphasized his 40 years of political service and stated, "I receive a pension of Rs 80,000. Apart from an apartment in Udupi, I own nothing. In these 40 years, there has never been a case of fraud against me. If there is any property, let the MLAs reveal it."
He invited an open discussion to address allegations of pressuring the government to withhold funds. "Defeat and victory are natural. One cannot win without someone losing. I don't worry about that. I have dedicated my life to public service and will continue to do so," Sorake concluded.
The press conference was attended by Kaup Congress president Naveen Chandra Suvarna, Women’s Congress president Shantalatha Shetty, District Minority Unit president Sharfuddin Sheikh, and Campaign Committee's Jitendra Furtado.