Caste Politics the bane of development in state: BJP

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 22, 2018: Speaking to media on April 21, Saturday,  Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said that appeasement politics, rampant corruption and nepotism in the state government in the last five years has taken development to the back bench.

The minister  said the governance and economy of Karnataka influence the national economy, politics and mood too. In spite of getting enough resources under 14th Finance Commission, due to corruption, nepotism and lack of vision, the state government failed to implement programmes. There is an anti-incumbency wave in Karnataka – the people are ready for a change in the state.

To accelerate development process and fulfil the aspirations of the people of Karnataka, the BJP has selected B S Yeddyurappa as its chief ministerial candidate. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and B S Yeddyurappa in Karnataka, the state will see a golden period shortly after the election, he predicted.

Stating that the BJP will begin intensive campaign on April 28, he said that Uttar Pradesh Rural Development Minister Mahendra Singh will be in coastal district for a few days.

On the impact of demonetisation and GST on the election, Pradhan said people have given their mandate in different parts of the country. On hike in petrol and diesel prices, the minister said geopolitical issues resulted in the rise in the price of crude oil in the international market. “We are also concerned over it and are keenly watching the scenario,” he said.

On dissidence in the party after the announcement of the tickets, he said there is no rebel in the party. There were several aspirants, only one candidate will get the ticket. The BJP does not believe in caste politics. Instead, the criterion was winnability of the candidate, said the minister.

On crime against women, he said, for the first time, the Union Cabinet approved an ordinance proposing to punish perpetrators of sexual assault on children below 12 years of age with maximum penalty of death sentence.