Pics by: Justin Dsilva
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Aug 23: Newly inducted minister Kota Srinivas Poojary was welcomed in a grand manner on his first visit to the district after becoming a minister.
Udupi district BJP President Mattar Rathnakar Hegde along with other members and leaders felicitated the new minister.
Acknowledging the felicitation, Kota Srinivas Poojary said, “In BJP, office bearers are respected more than MP, MLA and ministers. Today Udupi district is an ideal district to the whole state in terms of organization of the party. When I was the BJP Udupi district president, Somashekar Bhat and Gujjadi Prabhakar Nayak, office bearers were spending their money which was actually to be spent by the district president. This shows how the members of the party love BJP. CM called me in the night around 11:30 pm and asked me to attend the oath taking ceremony which was scheduled the next day.
“In the first cabinet meeting itself CM Yediyurappa asked all the ministers to visit their districts immediately and take measures for flood relief work. For this reason I have done meetings with the officials in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. I even objected holding of any procession or grand welcome to me as the state is now affected badly with flood. Still when I was travelling back from Bengaluru, late in the night, many of the BJP members waited for my arrival at various places even at midnight and welcomed me with flowers and garlands. I am thankful to all of them.
“If a common man gets a chance to work he gets an opportunity to prove himself. No one could imagine that Narendra Modi will be a world leader until he became the CM of Gujarat. Nalin Kumar is the only person who has worked as a Pracharak. Nalin Kumar will make the party still stronger in the state in coming days. I, Lalaji Mendon and Raghupathi Bhat have discussed with the CM about the Suvarna Tribuja mishap. CM has agreed to release Rs 25 lac for the same. By revoking article 370, PM Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah have proved that whole India stands united.”
Congratulating for the ministerial post MLA Raghupathi Bhat said, “Today a common party member has become cabinet minister. This shows that if a member works for the party with honesty, he will surely get a good opportunity without the godfather in party high command.
“All the party members should be proud about this. Srinivasa Poojary, who was once a common photographer, has become cabinet minister today. This has happened because of his continue hard work. He is a master in local self-government subject. His ability to talk on the matter is appreciated by everyone. In politics, along with capability, luck is also important. Srinivas Poojary had both of it.
“When we visited CM Yedurappa to discuss about the diesel subsidy to the fishermen, he with his own handwriting, ordered to increase it from 300 litres to 400 litres. CM has the ability to pass orders and he even makes efforts to put it into action by the officials. People are waiting for the sand issue to be resolved. I have discussed the matter with the new DC. We have requested to forward the plan of App for selling of sand for three months. Chief Secretary has agreed for the same on recommendations of the minister.”
Mattaru Ratnakar Hedge, President Udupi district BJP also congratulated the newly appointed cabinet minister and said that let Srinivas Poojary get very suitable and good department to work.
Uday Kumar Shetty, Dinakar Babu, president zilla panchayath, Sheela K Shetty, vice-president zilla panchayat Yashpal Suvarna, chief secretary Prabhakar Poojary, President city BJP Sandhya Ramesh and a large number of party members were present on the occasion.