Bantwala, May 4: Ramanath Rai is a popular leader in the constituency and he would win the election by a margin 30,000 votes due to his development works he has done in the constituency, Assembly constituency Congress Campaigning Committee president Sanjeev Poojary.

Speaking on the preparation of the party on the election here on Friday, he said that unable to tolerate the development works in Bantwala constituency, BJP leader Harikrishna Bantwal has been making false allegations against Rai to tarnish his image. But people of the constituency were aware of the fact, he said.

Both Congress and Rai had contributed a much for the welfare of the Billava community. In view of this, Billava community is supporting the Congress. Hailed from Billava community, BJP leader has failed to contribute anything for the community. But he is speaking against Rai and Janardhana Poojary. Because of anti-party activities, Harikrishna was expelled from the Congress, he said.

Based on his achievements and works in his political career, Rai would once again win the election. He has involved in politics for the last 40 years. Compared to other constituencies in the district, Rai has done good development works in the constituency, he said.

Though some Billava leaders were the aspirants of BJP tickets in some constituencies, Harikrishna did nothing to get them the tickets. BJP has been misusing the Billava community just for achieving Hindutva agenda. But Harikrishna is not questioning this. People of the community have understood this hypocrisy. As a result, Billava community youth have been joining the Congress, he said.

Contributions of Rai

Rai and Congress were instrumental in establishing Brahmashri Narayana Guru Study Centre at Mangalore University, Deyi Baidedi herbal plant at Gejjegiri Nandanabittili, naming the BC Road circle after Narayana Guru, financial assistance to majority of Billava community halls in the district, loan waiver of Murtedar Society and others.

On the basis of the recommendation of Rai and Janardhana Poojary, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced the Jayanti of Sri Narayana Guru as a public holiday and the community would never forget this decision. Congress has given various positions to Billava leaders, he claimed. 

Both Rai and Janardhana Poojary have never criticized another religion. They have good relationship with people of all religions, he said.

 

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Kochi (PTI): Police on Friday took a doctor into custody after he had been on the run following a hit-and-run accident near here that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman, officials said.

Police said Dr Cyriac George was taken into custody from a resort in Kannankulam, near Wagamon, in Idukki district, after local police received a tip-off about his presence there.

Police personnel in plain clothes reached the resort, and on seeing them, George attempted to flee but failed in the attempt. The accused was handed over to a police team from Angamaly that reached Wagamon, officials said.

Earlier in the day, police had arrested George’s father, George Mathew of Athirampuzha in Kottayam district, for allegedly helping the accused evade arrest.

Mathew was summoned to the Angamaly police station and, after interrogation, his arrest was recorded for aiding the accused to remain at large, police said. Police said Mathew had met George after the accident and assisted him in going into hiding.

Officials also said the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run incident was registered in Mathew’s name.

The victim, Jasliya Johnson (19) of Edavanakkad, sustained serious injuries while she was walking back to her hostel in Angamaly at around 7.30 pm on February 28.

She was declared brain dead at a private hospital here on March 3, after which her parents consented to donate her liver, kidneys and corneas. Dr George was working as a house surgeon at a private hospital in Ernakulam.

The investigation team had issued a lookout circular and conducted raids in Ernakulam, Kottayam and Idukki districts before tracing him, officials said. George had also approached the Kottayam District and Sessions Court seeking anticipatory bail.