BJP should embark on a repentance march: MLC Ivan D'Souza

Mangaluru: Instead of holding a foot march against the Congress government, BJP leaders should undertake a repentance march for the corruption and scandals that occurred during their tenure, stated Legislative Council member Ivan D’Souza.

Speaking at a press conference at the District Congress Office, D’Souza highlighted various alleged scams from the previous BJP government.

He urged BJP leaders, including former Chief Ministers Basavaraj Bommai and B.S. Yediyurappa, and ministers Jagadish Shettar, Dr. Sudhakar, and Kota Srinivas Poojary, to march to their own homes regarding these scandals.

D’Souza accused the Karnataka Governor of unconstitutional behaviour by issuing a notice to elected Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the notice, warning of both legal and street protests if the Governor fails to comply.

Referring to the MUDA case, D’Souza clarified that the site allotted to Siddaramaiah’s wife was done during the BJP’s tenure. If there were any irregularities, notices should be issued to Siddaramaiah’s wife, MUDA officials, and those in power at that time, not as per the central government’s directive.

BJP-JDS padayatra ‘absurd’: Ramanath Rai

Former Minister Ramanath Rai ridiculed the BJP’s current foot march, labelling it as absurd given their past corruption while in power. Speaking at a press conference, Rai accused the BJP-JDS of using non-issues to tarnish the Congress government’s image. He also criticized the Governor’s notice to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as an abuse of power and promised that the Congress would reveal the truth to the public.

Implementation of the Kasturirangan Report

Rai emphasized that the responsibility to implement the Kasturirangan report for the protection of the Western Ghats lies with the central government. He urged the central government to consider state government recommendations and make decisions that do not inconvenience the local population.