Ivan lashes out at BJP leaders for ‘irresponsible’ statements on Gutka ban issue

Ivan lashes out at BJP leaders for ‘irresponsible’ statements on Gutka ban issue

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jun 2, 2013: KPCC Secretary Ivan D’Souza  has strongly condemned District BJP President and former  chief minister DV Sadananda for what he termed their ‘irresponsible’ statements criticizing the State Government’s decision to ban  Gutka.

Speaking to reporters at the District Congress office, Ivan said   Gutka has been banned in states where BJP is in power   and added this being the case,  the opposition to Gutka ban by BJP leaders  was   ridiculous. He said the BJP leaders were opposing Gutka ban merely for political reasons  and not with any genuine concern for the welfare of growers. Ivan said the Centre as well as the state governments were committed to come to the aid of the areca growers and solve their problems.

 

He also  urged the BJP leaders to reveal the measures which the previous BJP government in the state had taken for the welfare of areca growers during the past five year period.

Ivan further  said he congratulated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader for  taking a bold decision to ban Gutka in order to safeguard the health of the people.

Ibrahim Kodijal, Interim President of the District Congress, TK Sudhir, Secretary, Preetham Maroli, Secretary of Congress Minorities Cell were also present.