DHNS
Mangalore, Aug 12: District Congress Committee President and MLA Ramanath Rai threatened to call for Mangalore bundh, if the BJP fails to make its stand on the implementation on SAS and reduction in water tariff in the next MCC general meeting. Addressing a press meet here on Monday, he said the reduction in the water tariff announced by the BJP should come into force from 01-09-2007.
Though Council approved the revised water tariff, it has not come into force so far. Even now people get bills of old rates, which was fixed during administrator’s rule. Stating that Congress never hiked the water tariff during its five terms, Rai said it was administrator, District-in-Charge Minister (BJP and JD(S) coalition) and MCC Commissioner who decided to revise the water tariff which came into effect on 01-09-2007.
If BJP had concern towards people, they should have reduced the water tariff soon after coming to power. Congress had concern towards sufferings of the people. So it never heed to any pressure for implementing SAS and hiking water tariff, he added. He said Mayor is trying to stop those who protest against the water tariff. Those who protest against the system are assaulted, which is highly condemnable act.