Govt is ready to Handle any Situation on Tipu Jayanti – HM
Mangaluru: “Those who were shouting slogans praising Tipu wearing his Crown, holding his Sword and insisting on celebrating Tipu Jayanti are now opposing the celebrations. At that time we did not oppose, but now they are giving different reasons. This is a government programme”, said the home minister Dr Parameshwar in a press meet held at the Circuit house here on November 7.
When asked whether the government is celebrating Tipu Jayanti for political gain, Dr Parameshwar said “There is no political gain in this celebrations, this is a government programme and we are ready to celebrate Tipu Jayanti. The government has given authority to the district administrations in all districts to take all the necessary measures for the smooth celebrations. The police department has been given the authority to maintain law and order in their respective districts”.
When asked about the warning from the opposition, “If Tipu Jayanti is celebrated entire Karnataka will burn”, Parameshwar said, “The government is prepared to douse the fire. If any untoward incident takes place, the district administration will be held responsible”.
When asked about Jayaprakash Hegde joining the Congress, Dr Parameshwar said, “If Jayaprakash is willing to join the congress, we will welcome him back to our party”.
Additional Police patrol vehicles
When asked about the traffic congestion in Bengaluru, Dr Parameshwar said, “We have made Belgaum track, Hubali track etc to ease the traffic. whatever is necessary to ease the traffic we are taking all the measures. From past three years, this is being done in Mysuru and Bengaluru, these facilities will also be extended to Mangaluru. We are providing Rs 25 to 5o crore per city every year. In Bengaluru city we have given new Ertiga cars to the police for patrolling, in 5 minutes these vehicles should reach the spot to handle any situation and if they need reinforcement, they should immediately ask for it. We are providing tablets to the police so that they can efficiently communicate. We will also provide 25 vehicles to the police commissionerate in Mangaluru for patrolling purpose. The old vehicles will be used for other purposes. A package including fuel, driver etc will be provided which will be supported in the budget”.
District minister in-charge B Ramanath Rai, Minister U T Khader, MLA Shakuntala Shetty, Chief Whip Ivan D’Souza, Mayor Harinath, Congress leaders B L Shanker, Ibrahim Kodijal, M A Gafoor, Sashidhar Hegde and others were also present.