Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Mar 18: Congratulating Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for presenting a people-friendly budget, dakshina Kannada interim Congress president Ibrahim Kodijal said that the CM had given equal importance for the welfare of minorities, farmers and backward classes in the budget.
Addressing mediapersons on Saturday, March 18, Kodijal said, "I thank Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for presenting an excellent budget keeping in mind the minorities, backward classes, farmers and overall development of the state. Siddaramaiah had dicussed about problems faced by people with all district ministers prior to the budget. In response, the CM presented a fair budget with priority for development in the state".
He also said, "To solve the acute shortage of water in the district, the CM has alloted Rs 100 crores for the Paschima Vahini project. He has also alloted Rs 50 crore and Rs 10 crore for the development of Mangaluru International Airport and upgrading of the district Wenlock hospital respectively. Taluk status was approved for Moodabidiri and Kadaba in the budget. The CM has readdressed every demand of the people in the state giving priority to education, health, development and basic amenities".
Taking a dig at the union government Kodijal said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed after BJP's victory in the recently concluded elections that people had shown their faith in the government and the demonetisation move which led to the party's victory. But in reality, before people could recover from demonetisation, the union government hiked the price of LPG. Along with the fuel, the prices of essential commodities are also rising. Demonetisation claimed more than 125 lives for which PM Modi is directly responsible. Modi fooled the people of country with fake promises. People will definitely give an answer during the forthcoming elections".
Commenting on S M Krishna joining BJP, he said, "S M Krishna is set to join BJP with the hope of gaining respect, but BJP is known to sideline senior leaders once they cross the age of 75. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Murli Manohar Joshi who worked hard for building BJP have been sidelined today. S M Krishna is a senior and expirienced politician. My only request to S M Krishna is to change his mind and protect the dignity and respect earned over the years".
Mayor Kavita Sanil, deputy mayor Rajaneesh, Congress leaders B H Khader, Santhosh Kumar Shetty and Padmanab Naringaana and others were present.