May 9, 2008

Mangalore, May 9: The assembly elections are nearing, with hardly a few days to go. Yet, party-hopping exercise in the political circles is still going on. In a major development, Congress party in Mangalore received huge boost when more than 100 activists from Sri Ram Sene, Bajrang Dal, BJP and JDS joined the party in front of a packed house at Mega Hall in Gurpur, Kaikamba during Congress activists' meet.

The event was held as a part of campaigning programme of Moidin Bava, Mangalore North Congress candidate. Former central minister and former KPCC president Janardhan Poojary inducted all the new members to the party. He urged newly-joined members to love the poor and minorities and serve the country with noble intentions.

A large number of men and women members joining Congress has boosted the morales of Congress party as the packed hall was seen in full of jubilation and cheers for Congress and its leaders. Prominent among those who joined Congress are Sri Rama Sene block convener Anand Shetty, Ashok Adyar, Madhuraj Adyar, BJP's Ananda, Naveen, Hareesh and group, Edapadavu BJP member Ananda Devadiga, Rajesh Salian and his followers from Padu Ferar and others.

While addressing the Congress activists, Janaradhan Poojary once again bombarded Yeddyurappa by criticising BJP policies. He ridiculed Yeddyurappa's comments on Congress manifesto. The Congress manifesto promises free colour TV to poor families and rice at Rs 2 per kg. But Yeddyurappa last week criticised Congress for offering free TV and blamed Congress for spoiling children by such offers.

Poojary reacted strongly to Yeddyurappa's statements by asking whether he and his family do not own TV. 'Are not his children and kin affected by watching television?' he questioned. Poojary projected BJP as communal party and urged people not to support the party.

After the event, Daijiworld managed to speak to Poojary exclusively and reminded him about the liquor controversy created by him.

'I never said that Congress would lift the ban, but I have criticised BJP for banning only arrack. I will throw open a challenge to BJP - if they have courage let them impose a full-fledged ban on liquor in the state'

But when asked whether Congress will ban all forms of liquor in the state if the party comes to power, he slyly evaded the question by stating, 'We will see in to that after we come to power.'

Poojary showed confidence of winning the polls by a majority. 'Look at the pre-poll survey by Suvarna TV and IBN channel. You will see that the surveys have declared that Congress will win more than 120 seats in the state,' he said.

Poojary asked activists to work hard and explain the Congress manifesto to the voters in detail.

Former three-time Congress MLA from Suratkal Vijay Kumar Shetty, former minister B A Moidin and other office-bearers were present on the occasion.