Mangaluru: The upcoming assembly elections in Karnataka is “critical” as it is a battle to protect the nation, constitution and democracy, said BK Hariprasad, opposition leader of the legislative council, while urging voters to exercise their franchise wisely. He was speaking after launching Congress’ Karavali Prajadhwani Yatra at Bellare in Sullia, Dakshina Kannada district on Sunday.

“The politics of religion and murders over communal hatred have tarnished the culture of the coastal region,” Hariprasad said. “Unrest is being created and society is being divided on communal lines. We do not want such politics of hatred. Instead, we need a peaceful society that helps parents shape their children into achievers in future. To achieve this, we need to exercise our franchise very carefully.”

He said while Congress distributed land to tenants during its tenure, the present administration has been helping landlords. “Congress ensured job guarantees through MGNREGA and stood with people even during Covid-19 pandemic, but BJP cut allocation to the scheme by 33% in the budget. We are ready for a debate on this if BJP functionaries accept the challenge,” he said.

Senior Congress functionary and former minister RV Deshpande said Congress will gain a majority in coastal and Malnad regions in the assembly election. He said efforts are on to strengthen the party at the grassroots levels and urged party workers to create awareness of the promises made by the Congress in its manifesto, including 200 units of free power supply and Rs 2,000 to homemakers.

“The BJP government in the state has discontinued all pro-people schemes such as ‘Anna Bhagya’ and ‘Indira Canteen’ implemented by the Siddaramaiah government,” Deshpande said.
KPCC working president Saleem Ahmed, KPCC manifesto committee member Madhu Bangarappa and deputy leader of opposition in assembly UT Khader and others were present