Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader addressed reporters in Mangaluru on Tuesday, accusing the BJP of using the 'Vande Mataram' issue for political gain while reiterating the state government's stance on the national song. He also highlighted key agendas for the upcoming state cabinet meeting in the city on September 18.
Khader asserted that the state government holds the authority to determine which songs are sung and to what extent. He challenged the BJP's sudden surge of patriotism concerning 'Vande Mataram', questioning why this sentiment was absent during the premierships of Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Narendra Modi, all supported by the BJP. He suggested that genuine patriotism would have led to its full implementation when they held power, rather than its emergence ahead of the West Bengal elections. The minister clarified that the Congress government has consistently sung two stanzas of 'Vande Mataram', with the full song performed at oath-taking ceremonies. He emphasized that the government is not against the song and would sing the complete version if instructed, stating that the full song is beautiful.
Looking ahead, Khader confirmed the state cabinet would convene in Mangaluru on September 18. This session, he stated, would prioritize issues affecting the Dakshina Kannada coast, alongside broader discussions on state development, with a particular focus on human resources. The minister indicated the possibility of directives for a roadmap on water tourism and an action plan to boost coastal tourism, involving local representatives and officials for their insights. He also expressed confidence that the long-standing demand for Tulu to be recognized as the state's second official language, already brought to the government's attention, would be discussed during the cabinet meeting.
Addressing other pressing matters, Khader mentioned the recent seizure of a truck carrying synthetic arecanut in Kolar. He stated that an investigation is underway, and further details would emerge post-probe. He linked the issue to his earlier advocacy for a gutka ban, noting that the current influx of synthetic arecanut from various regions, including Bangladesh and Nepal, strengthens the case for such a prohibition, despite past concerns for arecanut growers. On fake medicine rackets, Khader informed that the state government has formed an SIT. He stressed the need to make such offenses criminal acts beyond mere closures and fines, hinting at a potential CBI probe given the over Rs 5 crore value of the current case. Finally, Khader dismissed speculation regarding KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad's alleged lack of invitation to an event, questioning whether Hariprasad himself had made such a claim and asserting complete unity within the Congress party.
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đŸ“° Source: Vartha Bharati DK