Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Feb 26: State minister for Kannada and culture Umashree on Thursday February 26 claimed that the Congress government in the state has already fulfilled 90 percent of the promises made in its manifesto in 2013 elections.
Addressing party workers at the district Congress office here on Thursday, Umashree said, "Congress party leaders and workers should voluntarily communicate to the public the pro-people programmes introduced by the Congress government for their.
"Congress party workers should disseminate this information (about pro-people programmes) to the people by making a comparative study of the previous governments and the present government. The state government has fulfilled 90 percent of the promises that were made in the manifesto. The silence of the Congress party workers about people-friendly programmes has given an opportunity for the opposition party's growth," she added.
Speaking on the union government's land acquisition ordinance, she said, "This government is pro-capitalist. Population is increasing in the country and the geographical length of the land is decreasing. Agricultural land is being used for commercial purposes. Youth in rural areas keep away from agricultural activities and are shifting to cities for their livelihood. In future we may also face food scarcity when youth do not show interest in agriculture. It is the responsibility of the government to save agricultural land. Government should not grab land from farmers, but should protect their interest. The Karnataka government will not support the union government in this, but will always protect the interest of farmers.
"Our leaders should strive to save agricultural land. We are not against industries but the interest of farmers of should be protected," she asserted.
Commenting on secularism, Umashree said that all those living in this nation are Indians. "Hindu dharma preaches religious tolerance.We should treat everyone equally."
Without naming the BJP, she said, "The party which wants to divide and rule is following the tactics of Hindutva for political gain. Common people should realize this. We should accept everyone. We have given them constitutional rights. People of all religions should practise tolerance. Everyone should join hands for a peaceful society."
Regarding programmes related to women and child development department, she said,"The government is providing Rs 2,000 per month to every blind woman for a period of two years to look after her child. Also, laptops with speech function will be provided to 1,000 blind children."