Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (AP)

Mangaluru, Mar 21: Minister for food and civil supplies U T Khader on Wednesday March 21 announced that the popular Indira Canteen will open at Thokkottu here on Thursday March 22.

Addressing a press meet here on Wednesday, Khader said, "Indira Canteen will be inaugurated by a labourer at Thokkottu. It was my wish that a labourer would do the honours. Indira Canteen is already functioning at Suratkal, Kavoor, Urwa Store and Statebank."

When asked about alleged misuse of police vehicle during Congress president Rahul Gandhi's 'Janaarshirvad' rally, Khader said, "Congress representatives did not intentionally climb the police vehicle during the rally. When someone gets tired, it is common to climb any vehicle which is going forward. If they are in the wrong, then I will apologise for it."

To a question on rumours of waste not being disposed properly in his constituency, Khader said, "The opposition is not finding anything to talk against me, so they are now taking up this issue of garbage disposal."

On lathi charge during the rally at Kallapu, Khader said, "When there is a huge crowd, it is common for some minor incidents to occur. It is wrong to lathi-charge the party representatives. Hence, appropriate action has been taken against the cop."