Mangaluru: “The BJP leaders have been seeking votes from the public claiming that Modi is the Chowkidar of the nation,  but it is evident that he is not the Chowkidar of common man, but he is the chowkidar of Ambani, Adani and other business heavyweights”, informed former minister and senior Congress leader B Ramanath Rai on Sunday, March 31.

Addressing the party workers during a programme organised to mark the inauguration of Congress’s election office in Bendoorwell he said, “Modi government did not waive the loans of the farmers. Instead, efforts were made to waive the loans of businessmen. He never favoured to the common people of the country after he became the prime minister of the country. Then how Modi would become the Chowkidar of the country?”

Meanwhile, Ramanath Rai announced that he would retire from the politics if it is proved that the national highway widening work between Addahole and BC Road was delayed due to the delay in land acquisition. “Being the MP, Nalin did nothing in his two terms and BJP leaders have admitted that Nalin’s contribution to the district is a big zero.  But, Nalin keeps saying that issues pertaining to land acquisition have caused delay in national highway widening work. It is far from the truth and if his claim is proven right,  then I will retire from politics, ” he added.

Battle between justice and injustice, truth and lies – Mithun Rai

Congress candidate Mithun Rai, while addressing the gathering informed that it is not the battle between him and BJP candidate Nalin Kumar Kateel. “ This election is the battle between justice and injustice, truth and lies, development and non-development. Due to lack of concern, Nalin did not try to prevent the merger of Vijaya Bank. Hence, Congress would observe black day on April 1. If I would be voted to power, I will try to retain the identity of Vijaya Bank by next April 1, 2020”, he said.

Inauguration of election office by three religious leaders

Prior to the programme, three religious leaders  Bolara, Halekote Mukhyaprana temple chief priest Guruprasad, Rosario Cathedral Church priest Fr J B Crasta and Kankanady Jumma Masjid religious leader Abdul Rahman jointly inaugurated the election office. All the three religious leaders wished success for the party’ candidate Mithun Rai and his future endeavours.

Dakshina Kannada district Congress president and MLC Hareesh Kumar presided over the programme. Former MLAs J R Lobo, Shakunthala Shetty, Moideen Bava, N M Adyanthaya,  JDS leader Dhanraj and other leaders like Thejomaya, Ibrahim, Mohammed Masood among others were present.