131 projects! Bhatkal gets Siddaramaiah's largesse

Bhatkal: Over 131 developmental projects worth Rs 1200 crores were inaugurated  by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, industries minister R.V. Deshpande and public works minister  Dr H.C. Mahadevappa, in Bhatkal on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, the CM said developmental activity in Uttara Kannada district is important for industrialisation and to improve tourism opportunities. He congratulated the local MLA Mankala S Vaidya for his dedication in getting funds released and projects approved. 

Siddarammaiah also took a dig at the BJP for trying to play the religion card in politics. " The BJP is losing its hold not only in Karnataka but across the country as they are using religion to win over people  But our people are educated and know how to react,” he said. 

Mr Deshpande said the Congress had assured to implement 165 poll promises and had fullfilled around 155 of them. 

If people elect us again, we will ensure our state will be the best in the trade and commerce, business, education, health, gender equality, caste and religion."

"The people of Bhatkal suffer from shortage of drinking water and we will ensure that a project is implemented and drinking water is made easily accessible to them. All this was possible because of the  hard work of Mr Vaidya, we hope he will receive the same support in the  elections," said Mr  Deshpande.

Thousands of people who had come to show their support for the Congress, said they wanted the party to come to power again and ensure  they work for the development of Uttara Kannada district.

Hasina Banu Sheikh, a resident of Bhatkal after receiving assistance under the Shaadi Bhagya scheme said, " We earn our living by selling fish, it's not enough to feed our family. But after Shaadi Bhagya, several families are happy that they can get their daughters married."