Mangalore: Prabhakar Bhat's Speech Not Provocative: N B Abubakar
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Jan 31: "BJP has taken a major step by releasing a grant of Rs 397 crore for the minority communities in the 2011-12 budget, which is a record of sorts, compared to previous governments which had granted only Rs 30-35 crore. This step by the party will provide social justice to the minority communities," said N B Abubakar, chairman, Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation Ltd.
He was addressing a press meet held in city on Tuesday January 31.
He said that the party has taken note of the injustice meted out by previous governments, hence this time, minority community people have been given the financial support they deserve. Lashing out at Congress and JD(S), he said that whenever election nears, they take up the issue of religion as a strategy to fill their vote bank. He pointed out there had been many communal clashes in the state earlier, but now the number of such incidents is under control.
'Prabhakar Bhat's Speech Not Provocative'
Backing Dr Prabhakar Bhat's recent speech at Uppinangady, he said Dr Bhat did not make any provocative statements as alleged by Congress. "This is nothing but a gimmick by Congress to appease the minorities and gain their votes. However, people in minority communities are well aware of the fact that they were not given sufficient grants by the Congress, but now the same party is attempting to divide the Hindus and Muslims for votes."
He said an appeal would be made to the governor and the CM to withdraw the FIR registered against Dr Bhat.
He asserted that the BJP government has been undertaking developmental works irrespective of caste, creed and religion. A protest will be held on February 7 in front of the DC’s office demanding a verified and true report on Uppinangady incident and urging the withdrawal of the case against Dr Bhat, he said.
Anwar Manippady, president, Karnataka state minority commission, said that the actual reason for Uppinangady incident was KFD activists’ slogan which stated 'Pakistan Zindabad' and pointed out that Muslim central committee president Masood was silent on KFD's anti-national activities.
Development Works for Minorities
On projects meant for minority communities, Abubakar said that ‘Haj Bhavan’ is being built in Hegde Nagara, Bangalore on a 3.16-acre land at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore for which the CM had laid foundation stone on January 15. "This is an achievement of our government, while previous governments had only dreamt of it." he said.
He further said, "Scholarships worth Rs 200 crore for as many as 8 lac students were given by the BJP government. Rs 50 lac and Rs 20 lac have been granted for the construction of Shadi Mahal in city and rural areas, respectively. In all, more than 200 community halls and wedding halls are being constructed," he said, adding that previous governments had granted only Rs 1 lac for wedding halls.
"Under ‘Arivu’ project’ 39,707 beneficiaries have been given Rs 70.15 crore for pursuing higher education. Women in minority communities have been given a grant of Rs 38.84 crore," he said.
"Also, the government has kept aside Rs 5 crore in this year's budget for the purpose of giving stipend to Muslim and Christian clergymen. This project would help more than 15,000 maulanas of 5000 mosques," he detailed.
Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy president Rahim Uchil, Fazal Asaigoli, K A Munir, A K Jamal, Podi Monu, Abdul Kunhi, Ronald, Jokim D’Costa, Siraj Mudipu, Rajagopal Rai among others were present at the press conference.