A sum of Rs. 1,000 crore was sought for the comprehensive development of Dakshina Kannada at the civic reception organised in honour of D.V. Sadananda Gowda who on Saturday began his first two-day visit to his home district after becoming Karnataka Chief Minister.
The demand came from Minister for Environment, Ports and Fisheries and in-charge of Dakshina Kannada J. Krishna Palemar.
A large number of party workers, presidents and office bearers of different organisations offered garlands and bouquets to Mr. Gowda at the function held at Sangha Niketan. Some women tied rakhis on his wrist.
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The Minister said the money could be used for the comprehensive development of the home district of the new Chief Minister.
Mr. Palemar pointed out that roads in the Shiradi Ghat and national highways leading to the district were in a bad condition and some of the roadworks were not progressing.
Though previous Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa had granted Rs. 200 crore for the city's infrastructure, the interior roads were in a bad condition. He sought further assistance of Rs. 300 crore to make Mangalore a model city. The district needed separate grants to repair roads and bridges damaged due to rains.
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Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP, said Mr. Gowda would not only remain in the post till the end of the present Government's term but also bring the party back to power in the next elections. District president of the BJP K. Padmanabha Kottari described Mr. Gowda as “Sulliada Mannina Maga” (Sullia's son of the soil) and said he had the knack of uniting people.