Modi Should answer Why Karnataka is Denied its Rights- Priyanka Chaturvedi
Mangaluru: “In the entire country, Mangaluru had found its importance then and it has continued to be an important place not only economically, historically, culturally, it is a place which has set an example for the nation to follow as to how people can peacefully and harmoniously co-exist despite differences, a lesson which you can teach the country. I have come to talk to you about how BJP through its web of lies, their divisive agenda and anti-farmer policies continues to thrive at the expensive of the progress of the state as well as the nation. BJP’s entire role has been to divide at the cost of its own political significance and once they have politically empowered, how they misrule and misgovern again at the cost of not just the state they govern but also by the virtue of them being in the centre continues to grow at the expense of the nation. Modi should answer why Karnataka is denied its rights”, said the Convener of the Communication department, All India Congress Committee Priyanka Chaturvedi in a press meet held at the Congress office here on March 29.
Addressing the mediapersons Priyanka said, “While the Congress under the leadership of CM Siddaramaiah has worked towards creating a healthy growth environment. We have seen how BJP has continued neglecting the farmers’ issues and the challenges they face and zero respect to what the farmers are demanding has created a lot of distress in DK. The DK district has rich tradition and culture and not just that, Mangaluru is the second largest contributor to the state GDP at 5.8%. If you look at the district in terms of social welfare indicators it is the district which is thriving, like I said has set many examples for other districts to follow.”
Priyanka further said, “In Mangaluru the literacy rate is 94% and it is an example what they are following across the nation. Mangaluru is a place known for Education as well as is the cradle for the banking sector in the nation. Through our various policies initiated whether it is waving of farmers loans, assisting farmers with drip irrigation, an increase of electricity subsidy for the benefit of fishermen, the state government through its policies has ensured that the farmers benefit and be part of the growth story of the state. It is not only the farmers’ community which was hurt, as far as DK is concerned because we have been consistently talking about development. We have seen the BJP does not have any development agenda, so what do they call back on? The tried and tested politically patented strategy of the BJP which is about hitting one community, creating divisiveness in the minds of the people of the city which is known historically for peaceful co-existence is under threat today because of a party which wants to grow at any cost. And at the cost of peace and harmony of the city as well as the district”.
Priyanka also said, “I would call this an agenda which does not focus on development but focuses on thriving and creating hate in the minds of the people extremely despicable. While we are committed to ensuring law and order prevailing we see a political party which is hell bent on creating trouble where it does not exist. However, I have come to raise some questions amongst all of you. Something all of us should be wondering about. The election dates are announced and Mr Modiji will be visiting this district, will visit more often hoping that the agenda they have set into motion will reap them large dividends. However, I am extremely certain that the people of DK will ensure that the divisive agenda does not thrive. My question to the Modi government at the centre, we have seen how repeatedly they have nominated and elected Non-Kannadigas as Rajya Sabha representatives from Karnataka. The latest being Rajeev Chandrashekar, my question to them is can they really represent Karnataka’s best interest in the Parliament? Is there anybody in the BJP that BJP could have chosen to represent Karnataka who belongs to Karnataka and understands the problems of the people of Karnataka. During the election campaign, while delivering the speech by Amit Shah, the translator who is one of the BJP MP had gone on to say How Modi’s policies are Anti-people and Anti Dalits. This is a moment of truth which the BJP MP said during the election campaign.”
“The Chief Minister has written to the PM several times to resolve the Mahadayi issue. He asked the centre to have a dialogue between the two states but Modi did not bother to answer, he even refused to comment on this issue. Why is it that this problem which can be addressed through dialogue is being avoided by the Modi government. Even the IBPS exams conducted in Karnataka for job placement are in English and Hindi without giving the residents of the state a chance to answer in a language which they are comfortable with. CM had also written to Jaitley about this but again no response. CRPS headquarter which was supposed to come to Karnataka, has been again moved away to the state where already there are 5 CRPS centres. In April 2017 Karnataka saw worst drought ever faced in the history of 40 years. We expected some empathy and sympathy from the centre, if not at least equality in terms of distribution of funds. But Karnataka got very less compared to other states. Why this kind of step-motherly treatment towards Karnataka”, questioned Priyanka.
DCC President Harish Kumar, chief whip Ivan D’Souza, President Mahila Congress Shalet Pinto, Mayor Bhaskar K, Kodijal Ibrahim, Dhananjay A and others were also present.