Coming down heavily on the criticism of the Congress that the BJP’s promise of implementation of Kundamestri project as an election gimmick, MLA K G Bopaiah said that the work of Congress is only that of announcing packages.

He was speaking after releasing the election manifesto of the party here on Monday. Mr Bopaiah displayed the government’s letter dated September 4 providing administrative approval to the Kundamestri project.

“Lying is a habit of Congress. What happened to the Kodagu Package announced during the Congress rule? Why it could not implement the Bethri project despite its regime in the City Municipal Council since 1983?” he questioned.

“It is not sufficient if only resolutions are passed in the CMC regarding Bethri project. If they have got the government’s approval for the Bethri project, let them show the order,” he challenged.

BJP-JD(S) coalition is not a ‘package announcing government’. The projects are being implemented only after fund is sanctioned for them. No foundation stone has been laid without allotting money, he clarified.

Mr Bopaiah expressed his confidence over BJP winning 20 seats in the polls for Madikeri CMC. JD(S) has no influence in Madikeri, hence alliance with it was not necessary. There is no question of keeping it bay for the reason that there is no alliance. Both JD(S) and BJP will face the election on their own, he added.

Replying to a query, he said there is no question of dismissing the ‘rebel’ candidates.

 “The people who have identified with the party might have been contesting as rebel candidates, but no active worker of BJP has been contesting as rebel, he clarified.

BJP District President Sunil Subramani, City unit chief Mohan Monnappa, spokesperson M B devaiah, general secretaries Shanteyanda Ravi Kushalappa, A K Palaksham Robin Devaiah were present.