Mangaluru: The BJP Abhinandana Samiti held a felicitation programme for MP Nalin Kumar Kateel at T V Ramana Pai hall here, on June 18.
The programme began with an invocation. The district president of BJP Pratap Simha Nayak welcomed the gathering. Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Ananth Kumar inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries.
Ananth Kumar released the book of Nalin Kumar Kateel and Modi’s achievements ‘Hejje Gurutu’ on the occasion.
Addressing the gatheing, Ananth Kumar said that Nalin Kumar Kateel has utilized funds in an effective manner and according to a survey of the ministers carried out by a Kannada Daily, MP Nalin from Karnataka stands first in utilization of the funds sanctioned by the government for various development works.
He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi permitted the continuation of MCF to produce Urea once the gas pipeline from Cochin – Mangaluru gets ready. “There is a gas pipeline problem which we have to solve. We have already requested CM Siddaramaiah to hold talks with Kerala CM Oomen Chandy to get the gas pipeline connection to MCF as soon as possible.”
He also stressed that in 2007, the government told MCF should be run on the company gas and if the company will run with naphtha, we will not give subsidy. “The government also said to stop using naphtha. In 2014, when Modi came to power, Nalin was very much keen to retain MCF and we have decided to continue MCF with naphtha till it gets the gas pipeline. In this regard, I have met Ommen Chandy thrice to permit the gas pipeline so that the MCF can live longer and provide urea to the people of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu. Siddaramaiah should meet the Kerala CM Ommen Chandy to start the gas pipeline as soon as possible. We need to increase the production capacity of MCF. Modi has finished his first year of ruling; we are not celebrating this as a festival but we thought of leading ourselves towards development. In Karnataka, we will increase the capacity of MCF and appoint more man power in the coming days. After Modi became the Prime Minister, the first demand from Dakshina Kannada was to permit the continuation of MCF. Modi approved the demand of Nalin and permitted to carry out the work till the gas pipeline gets ready. MCF is providing fertilizer to the people of Karnataka and is the only plant in Karnataka with more than 5,000 people employed in this plant. There is a huge demand for fertilizer in the state. We need to increase the production of the fertilizer in MCF so that it can provide enough quantity of fertilizer. I have spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy thrice regarding the pipeline project so that MCF can run for a long time. I also appeal to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to meet Oommen Chandy and discuss the issue.”
He also said that in 170 acre of land, a Plastic Polymer Park will be built in Mangaluru with Rs 1000 crore. “Within a year, the plastic park will come to Mangaluru and this is my promise to the people of Dakshina Kannada. We need 150 acre land to build the Plastic Polymer Park. If the state governemnt will provide the land, we will start the work very soon. Through the Plastic park, 20,000 people will be employed,” he said.
Further, he stressed that the Modi led Union government is working towards the development of the country. “Narendra Modi is using the word, “Team India”. He did not say Team BJP or Team Modi. Team India means to include all the state chief ministers from all the parties together to develop the country. It is cooperative federalism to work together forgetting the party differences for the development of the country.”
He also said that we will not tolerate any attack on our country. “The Indian government will not tolerate terror attacks on the country. The main aim of the government is to restore peace, development of the country and welfare of the people. It is the dream of the Prime Minister to Make in India. In the coastal area, Dakshina Kannada is the example for Make in India. Dakshina Kannada has the patriotism and the people of DK have proved with their entrepreneurship are a testimony of Make in India.”
Nalin Kumar Kateel speaking on the occasion said, “I went to Janardhan Poojary to seek his blessings. When I met him, he said that we need to forget the party differences and work only for the development of the country. Poojary also advised me to discuss the problems in the parliament to try to solve the problems, which is an inspiration to me.” Nalin also said, “Whatever funds I have received, have been utilized for the development work of the district. I was an ordinary party worker, but the leaders of the BJP who believed in my work, helped me reach the national level. Whatever I have achieved, it is becasue of the party workers who encouraged and supported me throughout my journey in the party. I thank all the party workers, leaders and the people of Dakshina Kannada for trusting me and giving me an opportunity to serve.”
MP Pratap Simha and Chakravarti Sulibele also spoke on the occasion. Asha Thimappa Gowda, Rohan Monteiro, SCDCC Bank Chairman Dr Rajendra Kumar, MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik, Managing Director of Hangyo Icecreams Pradeep Pai, S Ganesh Rao, S Angara, Shivasharan and others were also present.
