Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NR)
Mangalore, Feb 16: Making an ardent plea to the pro-Kannada activists MP and senior Congress leader B Janardhan Poojary urged Kannadigas to stop their violent agitation against the railways and the reported remarks made by the union railway minister, Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Speaking to the press here on Friday February 15, he claimed that he had been contacted by Lalu on Friday morning and the latter had promised to take certain corrective measures and ensure that the problems which the Kannadigas faced in the state would be sorted out in the next railway budget.
According to Poojary 'Lalu called me at around 11.10 am and clarified that he had not used the word 'dirty people' but he had only said that those who demanded reservation for Kannadigas in railways have taken up a 'dirty issue.' He also said he was misquoted and had even spoken to the editor of the newspaper which had reported the matter to issue a clarification. But I told him that I have not read any such clarification. Then he said he would make an official statement during the debate on the railway budget.'
Poojary then said that he would be in the forefront of agitation if railway department does not take necessary steps to solve the problems of Kannadigas. He then urged 'Let us believe Lalu and stop protests now. After all, damaging railway offices is damaging national assets. I will fight both in and outside Parliament if Lalu fails to keep his word. Let us wait till his statement on the floor of the House." he pleaded.
Moreover, Poojary also revealed that he had written to prime minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, urging the formulation of a national policy with respect to 'D group' employees in railways. In this context he opined that 'D group' posts did not require any high qualifications or competitive qualities and therefore should be given to the local people. 'Is it possible for a person from Bihar to come all the way here and make a living with the salary he gets for 'D group?' he queried.
With regard to a query on the bad condition of the NH-17 he informed that the project contractor IRCON had been given a warning after reports indicated only 13% progress in the work. After the warning they have given an assurance to complete the work between Suratkal and Mangalore-BC road by end of this year, he added.