Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jan 25: Revenue minister R Ashok on Monday talking to media in Udupi stated that Congress would never come to power in Karnataka. "Congress will never come into power, not even in dreams. They have only one constituency they contest from in the state and the party will be soon wiped out in the next elections. Congress will not rise again in Karnataka," the minister said.

Replying to questions from media persons on statements made by the KPCC president that the Congress-BJP coalition is stable in the state, R Ashok said, "DK Shivakumar had said the same about the Congress coalition with JD(S). Those who joined BJP, came to the party quitting Congress as they were not treated fairly. Ramesh Jarkiholi now has more power in BJP than he did in Congress, so does Dr Sudhakar who handles the health department. They have been treated fairly in the BJP government. The KPCC president was the one who gained from the JD(S)-Congress coalition. He is known for receiving benefits in the name of Congress from Kumaraswamy."

Speaking about the farmers' march R Ashok said, "I believe there is no such movement taking place in the state. There are rumours floating in this matter. Only Punjab and Haryana are in support of this march as there is APMC brokers lobby in these states."

He also informed that many leaders from other parties are ready to join BJP and that a long list of leaders including those from coastal Karnataka expressed their willingness to join BJP.

"The Gomala land will be given to religious institutions to build goshalas. The rescuing and protection of cows are the most important," he added.