Has Nalin spoken on any issue in Lok Sabha: Siddaramaiah

It was turn of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to question the work of Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Nalin Kumar Kateel on Sunday.

While appreciating work done by B. Janardhana Poojary as an MP at a public meeting here on Sunday, Mr. Siddaramaiah turned to District in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai on the stage and asked who the Dakshina Kannada MP was.

Mr. Rai said Nalin Kumar Kateel, Mr. Siddaramaiah turned to audience and asked, “What has he done in the Lok Sabha. Has he spoken on any of your issues. What is his contribution? Nothing. He only speaks here and is behind incidents that disturb peace,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said, as there was laughter among audience.

Mr. Siddaramaiah said electing Mr. Nalin would not benefit the Lok Sabha, the region, the State or the country. “I earnestly ask you all to vote for Mr. Poojary, an experienced and an honest person, who speaks straight and fights for your cause.”

Stern action

Talking to reporters in Belthangady, Mr. Siddaramaiah said firm action was being taken against persons involved in assaulting inter-faith couples. The government was also considering invoking Goonda Act against habitual offenders. On the action against RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, accused of making speeches that flares religious passion, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, “It will be considered after elections.”

In Belthangady, Mr. Siddaramaiah assured Belthangady MLA Vasant Bangera of more funds for his constituency. When Mr. Bangera asked Mr. Siddaramaiah to tell it to audience, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, “You have to understand that I cannot make any assurances now. But I am with you,” he said.