Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Feb 27: "Congress, BJP and other parties showed lack of concern towards drought hit areas in the state. So far nearly 134 taluks have been declared to be drought affected including Dakshina Kannada and we find acute shortage of water. But none of the parties are showing any interest towards undertaking concrete measures to tackle the issue,” said senior Congress leader B Janardhana Poojary.
He was addressing media here on Monday February 27.
“From past several months media has been stressing over the drought issue. But the parties have become mute spectators. There was a meeting of the KPCC coordination committee chaired by AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh. But there was no discussion on the same. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should reveal to people of Karnataka, whether the discussion took place over drought and also about the concrete steps taken for addressing drought and drinking water problem.” Poojary added.
" Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was emotional while he spoke about water scarcity and drought. It is sad to know that we have reached a situation to make H D Deve Gowda emotional. Soon after the meeting, Siddaramaiah did not mention about the drought at all in the press conference. Politicians are busy running after money and are proving again and again that they have failed to show concern towards people. How much money has Siddaramaiah spent to dig borewells?” questioned Poojary.
Diary
"As the details of the confidential diary allegedly seized at the residence of Congress MLC K Govindaraju reached the public, Congress faced embarrassing moments. At the same time Kumaraswamy claimed the he had proof to show that BJP high commend received payments from state through cheques. Kumaraswamy should reveal the evidence by this evening. If he fails to reveal, then it will be a criminal offence and people of Karnataka will not forgive him,”
When asked about will dairy controversy has impact on upcoming elections, “I think JD(S) has slight chance to gain from the issue,"
Tainted ministers
When asked about several leaders including CM's media convenor demanding to remove tainted ministers especially those who figured in Govindaraju diary, Poojary said, "This is for the first time that Dinesh Amin Mattu has said something right. Now what Siddaramaiah will do? Will he sack those tainted ministers? If Siddaramaiah has enough courage, let him do it. But Siddaramaiah will never remove the tainted ministers because of the greed of his seat.”
Parameshwar
When asked about KPCC President G Parameshwar stressing to remove senior leader from the cabinet, Poojary said, "I was the one who always wished G Parameshwar to become the next chief minister of the state and he deserves the post. But the recent development shows that he is afraid of Chief Minister. High command had believed Parameshwar but by joining hands with Chief Minister he has spoiled his dignity
and high command has lost trust on him.”
UT Khader’s statement
When asked about U T Khader's controversial statement, Poojary said, "U T Khader is a fool and being a minister, he should not have commented. I think Khader never read constitution. He was wrong to compare people to sandals. Every individual has right to protest. I had cautioned him several times to be careful before delivering any comments.”
Ivan’s Dharmasthala visit
While asked about Ivan D Souza visiting Sri Dharmasthala Temple to take a vow on Poojary's allegations, Poojary said, “Ivan D Souza had committed many mistakes. He did not go to take a vow, but went there to apologize for his mistakes.”
When Poojary was asked whether Ivan D Souza has chance during cabinet expansion, he said, "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah can do anything for Ivan D Souza. He can even make him deputy CM and also give him finance portfolio. Siddaramaiah will praise Ivan for whatever he does because they have been associates from their in JD(S) days.”
Kallige Tharanath Shetty, Arun Coelho, Karunakar Shetty and others were present.