Absence of In-charge minister For Tipu Jayanti Criticised – Madhwaraj Clarifies

Absence of In-charge minister For Tipu Jayanti Criticised – Madhwaraj Clarifies

Udupi: The Udupi Muslim Association expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of the district minister in-charge Pramod Madhwaraj for the state-sponsored Tipu Jayanti celebrations.

The district-level Tipu Jayanti programme was organised at the District commissioners Building Rajathadri, Manipal here at 10:00 am. The district minister in-charge Pramod Madhwaraj was supposed to inaugurate the Tipu Jayanti as per his programme schedule. The minister did not attend the Tipu Jayanthi programme, In his absence, Kaup MLA Vinay Kumar Sorake inaugurated the District-level Tipu Jayanti programme. From the last three years, Pramod was absent for the Tipu Jayanti Programme.

Hussain Kodibengre secretary of district Muslim Okkuta expressed his dissatisfaction for the failure of the district minister in charge Pramod Madhwaraj to attend their own state-sponsored Tipu Jayanti celebrations. Tipu has fought for the country, the district minister-in charge showing disrespect to the freedom fighter is condemnable, he added.

After the Tipu Jayanti programme when minister Pramod Madhwaraj arrived at the DC office media persons questioned him on his absence for the Tipu Jayanti celebrations, the minister clarified saying, “The state government celebrates different Jayanthi’s. It is not compulsory that the district minister in charge should attend all the Jayanthi’s. Earlier too I have Skipped the Kitturu Rani Chennamma, Kempegowda, Bhagirathi, Valmiki Jayathi’s and no one had questioned me then. If anyone wants to make it an issue they can do it, I am least bothered”, he said.

When media persons questioned him about the disappointment expressed by Muslim leaders, minister Pramod said that everyone has right to express their opinion. Last year too I had not participated in the programme. Due to my busy schedule today, it was not possible for me to attend the Tippu Jayanti programme, he added.