Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Sep 24: Former MLA from Kaup constituency, Vinay Kumar Sorake, speaking satirically about the Prime Minister Narendra modi, commented that it was difficult to assess the extent of bad omen arising out of the inauspicious timing of the hug between Modi and US President Donald Trump during the 'Namaste Trump' programme. "Perhaps this was the 'COVID 19' hug. Because Trump occupies the first spot under coronavirus while Modi is placed second behind him," he commented.

Media persons wanted to know Sorake's response to the general feeling prevailing among the Congress workers here that he was not directly criticising the BJP hard and that he has been found having a soft approach towards that party, Sorake insisted that his party workers would not have said so. "I feel people who get happiness by creating trouble among others would have made that comment. We have conducted 111 booth level meetings and 23 village level meetings. I have been busy moving around and working for the party," he stated.

Sorake said that the way coronavirus infection is being handled in the country has left much to be desired. The Prime Minister is finding a solution to the problem by only advising people to clap, light the lamps, and to bang the gongs. "During the last six months, we have undergone 72 days of lockdown. During these six months, every discussion held was about coronavirus. The number of people infected from this pandemic has reached 55 lac. Corrupt practices were followed in procuring medical equipment worth Rs 2,000 crore. Sand transportation scandal and cement scandal in Hiriadka and Karkala respectively have been exposed. Wood worth Rs 70 lac was seized from the residence of a BJP activist. By using political clout, the ranger has been transferred. BJP leaders, by misusing the opportunity provided by coronavirus pandemic, are making money," he claimed.

He wanted to know whether the people, during the last six months, suffered only from coronavirus and whether everyone who died was a COVID 19 patient. "For every corona-infected patient, about Rs three lac goes to the hospitals from the government. Because of this, the people desist from undergoing COVID tests. We have been trying to instill confidence among the people not to become panicky," he stated.

On the issue of the order appointing Sorake as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee spokesman having been withdrawn, Sorake said that he had requested the party leadership to relieve him of the post as he is busy moving around his constituency during floods.

Sorake blamed the government about the way the flood situation was handled. "The helicopter promised by MP Shobha Karandlaje, did not arrive in the district till the flood abated," he criticised. He said that locals saved the lives of many who were facing danger from floods. "Natural Disaster Response Force arrived with inordinate delay. Officials reached a few places with delay. Udupi district has faced deluge of this magnitude after a gap of 45 years. The government should compensate not only to those whose properties were lost, but also in case of loss of electronic items, cattle etc. The government should release more compensation amount for the natural disaster victims," he urged.