Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (KD/NR)
Mangalore, Mar 2: "BJP - JD(S) administration in the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat is converting 'School development and Monitoring Committe' (SDMC) into district political platforms," blamed DK District Congress Committe president Ramanath Rai here on Saturday March 1.
Speaking at the protest organized against what they termed as 'Saffronisation of schools', at DK Zilla Panchayat office, he said only BJP and JD (S) member have been invited for the programme, while those who have actually contributed to the up-liftment of the schools are neglected.
In the SDMC programmes political speeches are made and RSS camps are held in government schools in Vamadapadav.
DCC vice-president Ivan D'Souza said that schools are being turned into political institutions. Congress leader Tharanath Shetty advised that the saffron party must be kept away from education and also criticised MLC captain Ganesh Karnik for being with the 'saffron brigade' and it's ideologies.
Later protesters gathered at DDPI Chamegowda at the ZP office, where they demanded action against the ZP CEO and were assured of action against DDPI. Former mayor Santhosh Hegde, former Surathkal MLA Vijay Kumar Shetty, former ZP president Mamatha Gatti and Congress leader Suresh Ballal were present.