Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi. Jul 18: A two-day third national executive committee meeting was organized on Wednesday July 18 by All India Fishermen Congress Committee (AIFCC) at Kartik Estate, Ambalpady here.

AIFCC secretary P C Vishnunath inaugurated the meeting by lighting a lamp.

Addressing the gathering he said, "AIFCC is of special interest to AICC president Rahul Gandhi who has affection for the marginalized and weaker sections of society. A new organization has been created within the Congress party.

"Rahul Gandhi's reply, ‘I stand beside the last person in line with the exploited, marginalised and the persecuted. Their religion, caste or beliefs matter little to me. I seek out those in pain and embrace them. I erase hatred and fear. I love all living beings. I am the Congress'.

"I love the idea of Congress, Rahul Gandhi's feelings towards Congress and his concern over marginalized groups. For the first time in political history, fishermen issued a manifesto which no other political party has done. Fishermen manifesto was formed taking into consideration their interests in terms of the problems of fishermen (SC, ST, OBC) community under the guidance of AICC president. Congress will add fishermen manifesto to Congress manifesto for the 2019 parliamentary election. This will be the first effort made by Congress.

"The country is passing through a crucial and critical phase. Hard work of Congress did not achieve any result however, Congress has succeeded in keeping at bay BJP from coming to power in Karnataka. One should appreciate the good will of the Congress high command which has increased manifold.

"The 2019 parliamentary election is very crucial for Congress. Every single Congressman must give their best. There is need to protect the secular fabric of the country. Modi's policy like demonetization is anti-India whch will ultimately affect farmers, fishermen and small scale businesses. It is following an anti-people policy. AICC president is fighting to protect India. This is a ‘Do or Die’ situation throughout the country not just for Congress or any individual Congressman.

Udupi district Congress president Janardhan Thonse said, "I am happy to be part of organizing the national-level meeting in Udupi for the first time. Fishermen play crucial role in the economy of India. There is no separate department at the centre for fishermen. This should be seriously discussed at the meeting." He also pushed for compensation to the victims of fishermen's families and for security to their lives.

Amruth Shenoy, member of AICC said, "Fishermen are working under risk and there is danger to their life. The Government of India is following divisive politics in India. Congress respects all communities without discrimination, but BJP upholds religious sentiments, caste, religion for their political gain. MP Shobha Karandlaje did not raise the topic of fishermen, instead she commented on and criticized the former CM Siddaramaiah and his government. BJP is busy in politicizing murder, suicide and religious indifferences.

"India is under threat. The cordial fabric of India is under threat. People are taking law into their hands. Every citizen is experiencing pain on account of religious issues. Killing one another is for the sake of religion. Congress is required in India. If Modi comes to power again, it will be a very dangerous phase for India."

T N Prathapan, president of AIFC led the meeting.

U R Sabhapati, AIFC working president welcomed the gathering.

Muniyal Uday Kumar Shetty, district Congress vice president rendered the vote of thanks.