Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Nov 6: Former chief minister Siddaramaiah along with KPCC president Dinesh Gundu Rao released Congress manifesto for the upcoming MCC elections at Congress office here on Wednesday, November 6.
Addressing the gathering, Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "This is an important election for us and Mangaluru occupies a prime place in the state, next to Bengaluru. When Congress was in power, chief minister Siddaramaiah had initiated several projects such as UGD, Suratkal market, ADB project for which Rs 1,400 crore was released for Mangaluru North, Rs 2,000 crore for the Mangaluru South and Rs 1,460 crore for the Mangaluru constituency which included overall development of Mangaluru.”
“BJP cannot say we did not work. We have initiated several development works during our tenure. We have fulfilled 95% of promises which we declared in our previous election manifesto. This manifesto is not a political gimmick as we are known to deliver promises. BJP does not require manifesto as they are not clear about their promises. We assure that we will deliver the promises we made,” said Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Former chief minister Siddaramaiah said," We have released more funds to Mangaluru for development of roads, water facilities. Rs 5,300 crore was released for all projects. Let BJP prove its allegations that Congress has not done any development works. BJP is known to tell lies. We are confident that we will win the upcoming elections and we will deliver all the promises made in manifesto, including forming of ward committees.”
When asked about Tipu Jayanti, Siddaramaiah said," Congress has initiated several Jayantis including Tipu’s. However, BJP will not celebrate Tipu Jayanti. High Court never said not to celebrate Tipu Jayanti, but we will not celebrate officially in party office, while some organisations may celebrate which is not wrong.”
"BJP government at the centre is targeting Congress leader through CBI, IT, ED only to destroy Congress,” blamed Siddaramaiah.
Promises in manifesto:
1. Providing water facilities, drainage under ADB project, developing roads and footpaths
2. Under pass and railway crossing, vehicle parking facilities, developing circle, bus stand
3. Scientific waste disposal
4. Health
5. Market development and upgradation
6. Tourist spot development
7. Development of port and fisheries department.
8. E-governance and administrative changes
9. Housing
MLA U T Khader, former MLAs J R Lobo, Mohiuddin Bava and Ramanath Rai, MLC Ivan Souza, Harish Kumar and others were present.