Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jul 25: MP and BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel on Sunday July 24 said that he was never interested in politics but joined the BJP out of pressure.

He was addressing 'Hadilu Bhoomi Krishi Abhiyan' agricultural programme organized by Kedaraothana Trust, at Sannakkibettu in Parkala, Manipal here.

"I never found happiness in politics. I was not interested at the time. But because of pressure from senior leaders of the party and Sangh, I joined the (BJP) party. I really wanted to become a farmer. However, luck was on my side and I entered politics. The central government is giving more priority to the development of agriculture by introducing various schemes and programmes for farmers. People should make use of the opportunities," Nalin said.

"India has two legacies - Krushi (agriculture) and Rishi (sage or spirtuality). We worship nature as a God. We believe and worship God in stones, soil, trees and water as 'theertha'. This is seen only in India. India’s farmers never did agriculture for profit or from any business point of view. They have an emotional connection with it," he added.

Kateel got into the slushy field, planted paddy saplings and drove the tractor accompanied by MLA Raghupati Bhat.

"Krishi and Rishi are the basis of our society and our ancestors had believed in them. MLA Bhat is solidifying the bond between Krishna and Balarama. Balarama is known for farming. Our education system was changed by Lord Macaulay, but it did not change the 'Gurukula' system of our Indian education. There is an agriculture background for Bhutaradhane and Nagaradhane. Farming is behind in all folklores.

"I too come from an agricultural background. There are lots of fallow lands in Mangaluru taluk, which have been barren from many years because of unavailability of labourers. People stepped back after calculating profit and loss, but today farming is a profitable field; and the yield can be improved by experiments. Farmers can make profit by growing supplementary crops. I urge people not to let their lands lie barren," he said, adding, "Educated youths are taking up agriculture as a way of life and they have realized that it is permanent,

Appreciating Raghupathi Bhat's hard work, Nalin said, "MLA Bhat has created a revolution in farming. His works will always be recorded in the annals of history."

Pro Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, H S Ballal said, "Youth are not showing much interest in agricultural activities. There is a need to encourage and create awareness among the young generation. About 70% of the population live in rural areas. Hence, everyone must work together in order to save our agricultural practices."

MLA Raghupathi Bhat addressing the gathering said, "We will launch a brand of 'kaje akki' (rice) at a big market. We will create a market just like those in Dubai. I want to see farming being done in all barren lands within the next five years. I am very happy that youths and students have joined hands with our work."

MLA of Kaup constituency Lalaji R Mendon, president of Coastal Development Authority Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, BJP district president of Dakshina Kannada Sudarshan, National Women's Commission member Shyamala Kundar, president Udupi municipal council Sumitra R Nayak, and town BJP president Mahesh Takoor, along with members of Kedarothana Trust and councilors Manjunath Manipal, Vijayalakshmi, Kalpana and others were present.

Nalin launches tirade against Siddaramaiah over Dalit CM issue

Giving his reaction on the matter of making Dalit as CM of Karnataka, state BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel told reporters here, “Whole Karnataka knows about Siddaramaiah. He came into prominence through Ahinda protest and was made CM. What is wrong in that? Once he became CM, he forgot Ahinda. What he did for the backward classes? When the matter of making Dalit as a CM came for discussion, he closed it down.

“In order to become CM, Siddaramaiah defeated Dr Parameshwar, who had worked day and night for the party. He has the history of getting Mallikarjuna Kharge defeated. How correct it is for Siddaramaiah to mention those names now?

“BJP is in power for some years now. Congress was there since many decades. When Vajpayee was the PM, a Muslim was made as the president of the country. Now Modi is the PM and he made a Dalit as the president of India. CM Yediyurappa nominated Dalit Govinda Karajola as the DCM. Narayana Swamy was made union minister. So BJP has given justice to the Dalits. There are 30% SC/ST ministers in the union cabinet. Let the Congress say what they have done for Dalits.”

To the query on the suitability of the time of change of CM in the state, Nalin said, “All MLAs and ministers are asked to be in their own constituencies and work towards flood relief. CM Yediyurappa is doing aerial survey since two days and pacifying the affected public. I do not know about CM change and do not have any information. The matter of audio that is said to be of mine is being investigated.”