Mangalore: Will render my service as minister sincerely - Abhaychandra Jain

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, May 19: "By appointing me as minister, the chief minister, the high command and party leaders have given me the opportunity to serve the district and the state. I will use this opportunity to render my service sincerely and do my best," said minister K Abhayachandra Jain.

He addressed the media at Mangalore International Airport on Saturday May 18, on his return from Bangalore after he was sworn-in as minister in the Siddaramaiah cabinet.

"The ministerial post given to me has brought much joy, and under the guidance of senior leaders I will undertake developmental works in the district," he said.

When asked about which portfolio he might get, he said that he was unaware of it. "I did not bother much about ministerial post but I had asked for it if opportunity was available."

He added, "I will soon appoint tahsildar for Mulky and will also try to get taluk status for Mulky."

A number of jubilant party leaders and activists were present at the airport to receive the newly appointed minister. Celebration broke out as they showered garlands on him and hailed him with slogans.

Minister post to Moodbidri after 14 years

With the appointment of Abhayachandra Jain as a member of Siddaramaiah's cabinet, Moodbidri got a minister after a dry spell of 14 years.

Congress leader Damodar Mulky, when he was the MLA during 1978-1982-83, was appointed as fisheries minister for only one week as the government changed soon after his appointment.

Later during the 1983 elections, when Ramakrishna Hegde became the chief minister, Amarnath Shetty was appointed the religious endowment and tourism minister. But before he could complete his term, elections were held in 1985 and government was formed by Ramakrishna Hegde, where again Amarnath Shetty was appointed as religious endowment minister. Amarnath Shetty was appointed minister again in 1991 and 1998.

Abhayachandra being an MLC from 1992 to 1999 (two terms) was elected as MLA  four times in 1999, 2004, 2008 and 2013. After 14 years of his tenure as a MLA, he has been appointed a minister.