Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Apr 4: The district Congress on Saturday April 4 organized a members' meet at Congress Bhavan, Brahmagiri here to discuss ways of strengthening the party and reaching out to people by listening to their grievances.
Prior to the meet, addressing the media, former union minister and Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes took a dig at BJP on the issue of Rahul Gandhi's absence, and sarcastically said, "I am very happy that Rahul Gandhi comes in BJP leaders' dreams. It is a good thing. I do not know how Prime Minister Modi and BJP president Amit Shah will lead the nation when they do not know the whereabouts of Rahul Gandhi?
"Rahul Gandhi has gone abroad to attend a programme and nothing else. I will be very happy if Rahul Gandhi becomes president. It will be a challenge for BJP and will be good in all aspects," he added.
"Strengthening of the party and decision making are up to Congress president Sonia Gandhi. I will accept whatever decisions are made by the party leaders.
Responding to a query on the possiblity of Priyanka Gandhi becoming Congress president, he said, "She is our leader. We are no one to put a task on her.
"Sonia Gandhi and her family have sacrificed themselves for the nation. Today's younger generation know about the freedom struggle and its value," he added.
Regarding a recent protest by fishermen for their demands, Oscar said that he will discuss the problems with chief minister Siddaramaiah on April 6 and resolve them soon.
During the Congress meet, various people were selected as leaders for various responsibilities. The membership drive will be held under the leadership of Ashok Kodavoor. Dinesh Putran was selected as membership drive promoter. Amruth Shenoy is already leading the Yuva Block Congress. Habeeb was selected as leader for student membership drive. M A Gafoor was selected as leader of protest against Land Acquisition Act.
Issues related to 9/11 forms, gram panchayat power, illegal land survey and so on were also discussed in the meeting.
Veronica Cornelio, president of Mahila Congress, Janardhan Thonse, town planning authority president, Amrith Shenoy, former MLA, Gopal Bhandary, Gopal Poojary and others were present.