Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Apr 23: The BJP president of Tamil Nadu state, K Annamalai, unveiled the BJP manifesto for the Dakshina Kannada district, expressing the party's commitment to connect and develop the nation under the leadership of Narendra Modi.

Addressing reporters at the BJP office in Mangaluru on Wednesday, April 23, K Annamalai stated, "The BJP's 2019 manifesto was honored, and we have fulfilled all the promises we made. All our candidates are in sync with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to connect and develop the nation. Nalin Kumar has been elected three times and has diligently served the district. Today, we discussed nine key points, and we are confident that the BJP will emerge victorious. On April 26, we urge the people of Dakshina Kannada to cast their votes in favor of the BJP."

He continued, "Our BJP leaders have worked tirelessly, and we are aiming for more than 400 seats. Capt. Brijesh Chowta has garnered significant public support, and we believe he will be elected by the people to continue the work initiated by Nalin Kumar Kateel. Despite the heatwave, large crowds gathered for today's Roadshow, and while many voters have refrained from voting due to the heat, we anticipate an 85% voter turnout on April 26, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m."

Also present at the event, Capt Brijesh Chowta remarked, "This manifesto is not just a document but my blueprint for development. We are fully committed to advancing the country across nine crucial areas: infrastructure and connectivity, industry and investment, start-ups and entrepreneurship, tourism, women empowerment, cultural heritage, agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries, youth empowerment, coastal development, and security."

"In the past decade, our leaders have initiated and completed numerous projects. The infrastructure and connectivity in Dakshina Kannada have seen remarkable growth, with many roads, such as Kulshekar to Moodbidri, being completed. Plans for road development in Shiradi Ghats are also underway, and a new railway line connecting Mangaluru to Bengaluru is on the cards," he added.

Capt Chowta further outlined, "Encouraging startups and entrepreneurship is crucial to bring back the youth who have sought employment abroad. We will provide employment opportunities and mentorship programs for students. Additionally, we plan to establish a new film city and introduce adventure activities at Sasihithlu beach. To address security concerns, we will initiate an 'Army School' and organize 'Catch up with Captain' programs to engage with stakeholders."

Responding to questions about Annamalai's statement regarding the Karnataka Congress party's financial requests, he clarified, "The development of Karnataka has significantly improved under the BJP government. During the UPA government, Karnataka received only 8% revenue, whereas under the NDA government, it stands at 38%. People should consider these statistics when comparing the NDA and UPA governments."

When questioned about the completion of the Mekedatu project, Annamalai emphasized, "Karnataka and Tamil Nadu share a brotherly relationship, and we acknowledge the water scarcity issue. The central government should ensure the prosperity of both states, and there's no need for political disputes. Thousands of Kannadigas and Tamilians work in each other's states, fostering mutual respect and cooperation."

Regarding his perspective as a former police officer on the Neha Hiremath murder case, Annamalai expressed shock at the incident. He criticized the delayed response from the Congress party and condemned their victim-shaming tactics. He also disapproved of the derogatory language used by the Home Minister, emphasizing the need for compassion and support for victims.

During the event, the BJP Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha Constituency Manifesto titled 'Navyug Navapatha' was unveiled. Various BJP leaders including Nalin Kumar Kateel, Capt Brijesh Chowta, Uday Kumar Shetty, Sudharshan, Vedavyas Kamath, Rajesh Nayak, Sudhir Shetty Kannur, Dr. Bharath Shetty, Kishore Kumar, Sunitha, Nithin Kumar, Sathish Kumpala, Sanjiv, Nagraj, and Balkrishna Bhat were also present.