Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 31: For the first time after he assumed charge as the new president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) D K Shivakumar arrived in the district on Friday July 31.
On his arrival at the airport here from Bengaluru, Shivakumar was accorded a warm welcome by former minister U T Khader, former MLA Abhay Chandra Jain, MLC Harish Kumar, former MLC Ivan D'Souza, youth Congress district president Mithun Rai, and others at the airport here.
Speaking to scribes at the airport, he said, “This is my first visit to Dakshina Kannada after assuming the post of president of KPCC. This is a vibrant district. This place is known for education and health care.”
On a query about BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel’s statement that 15 Congress MLAs are in touch with him, Shivakumar said, “I wish all the best. Let them take over the whole country. I thought all the 224 are in touch with him. I do not know why he is bluffing saying only 15 MLAs. Congress party is with its cadres. We will build the party with the help of our cadres all over the country.”
Shivakumar then visited the Bishop House to meet Bishop of Mangalore diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha. The bishop accorded a warm welcome to Shivakumar and felicitated him.
The bishop said, "Congress has been doing tremendous work over the years and I wish they continue to do the same. I bless you all for your future endeavours. Keep doing good works for the betterment of the people.
Shivakumar said, “Since I took charge, I was not able to travel due to coronavirus lockdown. Now I have come to Mangaluru to seek blessings of Oscar Fernandes and Janardhana Poojary and other senior leaders who encouraged me to join politics.”
He then met former union minister Oscar Fernandes, and enquired him about his health condition.
Shivakumar will then meet the office bearers of the Auto Rickshaw Drivers Association at Kankanady and receive a memorandum. He will hold press conference at the district Congress office. Following the press conference, he will hold consultations with 60 party representatives who have been serving as Covid warriors.
In the afternoon, the KPCC president will go to the residence of Qazi Bekal Ustad at Mudipu. After being blessed by him, he will visit former union minister Janardhana Poojary, at his house at Bantwal. His next visit will be to Dharmasthala where he will meet Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade and seek his blessings. Shivakumar will stay at Dharmasthala for the night and return to Bengaluru through the airport here on Saturday morning.