Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB) 

Mangaluru, Apr 24: District in-charge minister Ramanath Rai on Tuesday, April 24 informed that Rahul Gandhi, president, Indian National Congress will visit the district on April 27. He also expressed confidence of winning all the 8 constituencies in the upcoming election. 

Addressing media, he said, “Rahul Gandhi will attend a public meeting at B C Road at 10 am. He will visit Dharmasthala temple and then proceed to Coorg district. I request all party workers and people of Bantwal and neighboring constituencies to attend the public gathering and make the visit a historical event.” 

Commenting on the preparations for election, he said, "Congress party all is ready to face the elections and majority of its candidates have filed their nominations. We will now start campaigning aggressively which is mostly based on the developmental projects of Siddaramaiah government. There is no confusion among party workers or leadership. All are happy on ticket distribution. There is no question of threat. Collectively, we will face the election and win with clear majority. This election will be an indicator for next year’s Lok Sabha elections,”  

‘Will win all 8 constituencies’ 

“Congress is the only largest secular party in India and it never entertains any type of communalism. People in India received highest benefits under Congress’ rule. Hence, people always want to see us in power. In Dakshina Kannada, we will win all 8 constituencies. Prior to the election, we will organise a programme in the coastal region to release our election manifesto,” he added. 

‘BJP is a broken house’ 

“BJP is a broken house. There is big confusion among the leaders and party workers. Many are openly revolting against their party. In the district, some unhappy BJP leaders are in our contact. We are monitoring the situation closely. Some days ago, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, in a public programme suggested me to take a break from active politics. But now, BJP workers are together planning to give rest to Nalin from his political career. Shortly, they will send him home permanently,” he said. 

Ivan hits out at BJP over ad

Speaking on BJP’s 'hypocritical attitude' at the same press meet, Ivan D’Souza, MLC and chief whip, Legislative Council said, “In today’s newspaper, BJP advertisement said ‘Modi government punishes child rapists with death penalty, Siddha Sarkara is still asleep’. Everybody knows that BJP workers and leaders are the frontrunners in rape and murder cases. Today, BJP is ruling 22 states, but nowhere have they taken any preventive steps to protect its citizens unlike Karnataka. People know very well that who is sleeping.” 

Harish Kumar, president, GCC, Bhaskar Moily, mayor, Ibrahim Kodijal, Shashidhar Hegde, U B Venkatesh, and Mamatha Gatti were present.