Raviprasad Kamila/The Hindu
Mangalore, Apr 15: “When you politicians are unable to solve the problem of coin shortage, will you be able to solve any other problems?” a shopkeeper asked B. Janardhana Poojary, the Congress candidate for Dakshina Kannada constituency, during his “padayatra” at the fishing harbour here on Tuesday.
“When I was the Union Minister of State for Finance, I had solved this problem in three days,” the 71-year-old leader replied.
Mr. Poojary had to tackle this question, which was pertaining to the portfolio once held by him when late Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister, during his “padayatra”.
Coin shortage
Nazir, the shopkeeper, told Mr. Poojary that he had to pay Rs. 10 to get coins worth Rs. 100. Small traders were finding it difficult to get coins, he said and requested Mr. Poojary to first solve this problem. However, Mr. Poojary smiled at the questioner and walked away.
The Congress nominee visited every shop with folded hands, and requested the shopkeepers to vote for his party.
Women’s plea
When he came across a few women workers of north Karnataka origin on the shore, Mr. Poojary asked them whether they had their election photo identity cards with them and whether they would be casting their votes. The women replied in the negative.
But, Mr. Poojary asked them to go over to their native places and compulsorily exercise the franchise there.
Mr. Poojary then was faced with a group of women workers from Bengre, a sand pit opposite the fishing harbour. As Mr. Poojary was about to plead for votes, they retorted: “What have you done for poor women like us in Bengre?”
Stating that nobody had solved their ration card problem, they went on shooting questions at the former Union Minister.
Mr. Poojary, however, explained to them that the Congress had implemented several development projects for the welfare of the people at Bengre.
The situation transformed into a melodrama with Mr. Poojary’s supporters shouting slogans. Asking his followers to stop shouting Mr. Poojary said: “You cannot expect everyone to vote for you. But you should at least lend your ear to what they say.” Mr. Poojary ended his “padayatra” after a 70-minute campaign in the harbour.
He cancelled his visit to Bunder area, Car Street, Kudroli, and Jodu Palli scheduled for the day.