Mangaluru: The President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, G Parameshwara, held a press meet at the Circuit house here on February 9.
Addressing the mediapersons, Parameshwara said that the party’s membership drive has been going on from the past 5 months. “There are some errors, which we need to correct. I have decided to visit every district in the state and have already visited 10 districts. Almost 60% of the members have completed the registration process. By the end of February, the registration process will be completed.”
He also stated that instead of increasing paperwork, pen drives have been issued to store information. “We have decided to make a data bank and from the 66,000 booths, we will collect the data in the Pradesh Congress Office. It will be stored in the data bank and will help to make things easier in the forthcoming elections.”
“According to Rahul Gandhi’s directive, we have decided to elect block presidents and a booth committee. Karnataka has taken this as a pilot project, this will be a challenge for the state and we need to make it successful. In this regard from the past 4 months, Rahul Gandhi has been meeting senior congress leaders. He has also prepared a project to bring changes in the Congress’ ideology especially the socio-economic upliftment, the objective is to eradicate poverty, whether we have to be aggressive in this, how the young generation will adapt it, and how to restructure the organization. So far, we have met more than 400 leaders such as MLAs MPs, block Congress presidents and have taken their opinion.”
“From past 18 months, the Congress is ruling in the state. During the elections in the manifesto, we had given some assurances and 90 out of the stated 160 promises have been fulfilled. We will fulfill the remaining promises too.”
When asked about the Arkavathi project, he said that the Chief Minister did not take any decision against the law. “Based on circumstances, evidences and directions, the previous government had taken steps. Likewise, we have also taken the decision. When the Congress was in the opposition, we had submitted the documents against B S Yeddyurappa for his involvement in land scams. Now, the opposition parties are making baseless allegations. Instead of making allegations, let the opposition submit the documents against the CM, if they have any. The law of the land will prevail,” he said.
When asked about the Puttur Block president, Parameshwara said that Hemanath Shetty was the president for 8 years and has served well within his capacity. “Power is given by the AICC President to the KPCC President and I have the power to change the presidents. I have changed the Puttur president. Congress constitution is inclusive politics. If a person is doing something individually, we do not permit it. I will investigate on what basis Hemanath Shetty formed the BHP. It is a serious issue; it is not limited to a small taluk or district. To form a particular outfit which is limited to one community is not permitted in the Congress constitution.”
When asked about his stand on the member of the Congress who is taking part in the VHP Samajotsava, Parameshwara said, “We are not against anyone attending a religious programme. Everyone has the right to attend religious functions, but attending a programme conducted by the wing of the opposition party is not allowed,” he said.
Congress leaders Kodijal Ibrahim, P V Mohan, G A Bava, B H Khader, MLC Ivan D’Souza and others were also present.