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Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jan 22: 'Sala Melada Sangarama', the autobiography penned by senior Congress leader B Janardhan Poojary will be released on January 26 on the occasion of Republic Day.

Addressing a press meet here on Monday January 22, Poojary said, "I myself will release the book in the presence of people close to me who helped me and supported me throughout my journey. I have penned about my childhood days, poverty, my experience in the law profession and the lessons learnt from all of it. I have written about the history of Kudroli Gokarnanathashewara Temple and its development after its renovation. The instance of Indira Gandhi calling me and my journey in political field and the ups and downs in my journey also form a part of my autobiography.

"I chose this title because of the Melas (fairs) that were organized through banks for disbursement of loans to poor people at low interest rates when I was the union minister of state for finance at the centre," he added.

"The book is 210 pages long and has 9 chapters. Every word in the book is true and there is no exaggeration anywhere. I have even mentioned my memories of the days spent with Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Narasimha Rao and the challenges I have faced, and how I was able to overcome them.

"I have even recorded the instance of allowing widows to become priests in the Kudroli temple and the experience of taking such a bold decision. The book will stir no controversies and I have not tried to hurt the sentiments of others. Everything mentioned in the book is true and from my experience," he said.

"I am planning to release the book in Kannada, English and in Hindi as well. Laxman Kodse assisted me in writing the book and is spearheading the translations. Santhosh Kumar Poojary and Deepak Poojary are the publishers. Once the book is released, I will personally hand over a copy of the book to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

"On day of the release, the book will be kept in front of God and Samprokshane ritual will be done, and I will take rounds of the temple carrying the book on my head, after which it will be released," Poojary informed.

To a question on the frequent transfers of police officers in Dakshina Kannada, Poojary said, "I strongly condemn the move if chief minister Siddarammaih is behind the SP's transfer. If Ramanath Rai is behind this transfer then he will face the consequences as election is very close. I was an active politician but I have never done such things. Even police personal have their families, what about their situation? No one is bothered about it."

Congress leaders Vijay Kumar Shetty, Purushottam Chitrapur, Kudroli temple trustee and BJP member Harikrishna Bantwal and others were present.