Mangaluru: Deputy Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly and Mangaluru MLA UT Khader on Saturday termed the CM Bommai’s annual budget as “Reverse gear budget” adding that it will take the economy of the state backward.
Speaking at the press meet today, U T Khader slammed Bommai for his "hit and run" budget and said that the government's sole revenue comes from its debts and liquor industry.
"With the enormous debt of Rs. 72 thousand crores, an approximation of Rs 29 thousand crores of revenue is collected from excise duty. As much as 1.01 lakh crore of revenue is generated from debt and liquor", he pointed out.
"No investor is likely to come up when the government itself functions on revenue deficits", he added.
Acknowledging CM's expertise in the field of irrigation, he highlighted the Karnataka Irrigation Department's debt of Rs17 thousand crore, wherein an amount of Rs 26 thousand crores is issued in the budget and argued whether a mere sum of Rs 9 lakh crore is enough to actualize the department's initiatives.
He appreciated the government's move in allocating Rs 5lakh crore for the Krishna Meldande Project and said that the amount of Rs 1 thousand crore, set aside for Mekedaatu and Mahadayi projects are the fruits of the labors of several activists and protestors.
Pointing out the government's indifference with regard to uplifting those who are severely affected by Covid-19, he said "the current budget has disregarded the needs of the working class and the destitute", and added that "the government has failed to keep up its promise regarding the construction of 5 lakh homes for the labor class. Until now, not a single house has been built. When the Congress government was in power, as much as 1 lakh houses were built in the course of 1 year".
He criticized the government's decision to build Narayana Guru Residential Schools while noting its recent rejection of Narayana Guru Tableau.
He underscored CM's negligence regarding the needs of the people of Coastal Karnataka and said that no focus has been given to the fishermen, areca nut growers, and others.
"What is the use of allotting money for 100 container ships, while the government has failed to give money to build homes for our fishermen?" he questioned.
"The government is politically, economically disabled", he said.
Further, he advised the government to first work on social and communal harmony, before venturing into economic reforms.
Congress leaders Ibrahim Kodijal, Mamata Gatty, Shahul Hameed, J A Bava, Sadashiva Ullal, Yusuf Sharif, Ishwara Ullal, Alwyn, Mustafa, and others were present during the press meet.
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Panambur: A man who allegedly came armed to attack another person was caught by members of the public and later handed over to police in Jokatte late on Friday night.
The accused has been identified as Naveen Poojari, originally from Vamanjoor and presently residing in Jokatte.
According to police sources, Naveen was married and has an eight-year-old son. The couple are now divorced.
Police said Naveen suspected that his former wife, who is employed at a showroom in Padil, was moving closely with Devi Prasad Acharya, a mechanic working there.
Based on this suspicion, Naveen allegedly went to the house of Devi Prasad Acharya on Friday night carrying a deadly weapon, created a scene and issued threats.
During the incident, Devi Prasad Acharya reportedly contacted the 112 emergency helpline, following which Naveen fled from the spot.
While escaping, Naveen is said to have fallen from his two-wheeler near the Jokatte Panchayat area. Local residents who rushed to help noticed a deadly weapon on the vehicle and immediately alerted police.
Officials from Panambur Police Station rushed to the spot, took Naveen into custody and brought him to the station.
A case has been registered based on the complaint filed by Devi Prasad Acharya, and further action is under way.
