Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Credit: DH File Photo
Firmly denying reports suggesting that he had requested to be relieved of his responsibilities as district incharge minister for Dakshina Kannada, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Sunday asserted that he had made no such request.
Rao told reporters after his return from a two-day visit to Mangaluru, “I have not demanded any change of role. I don’t know where this news came from. Just because one or two individuals make a statement, it doesn’t mean we should respond to it. This is a responsibility and I am eager to handle it”.
HM’s remark
The clarification follows media speculation triggered by a remark by Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara, who reportedly said that Rao had expressed a desire to be relieved of his role as DK incharge minister.
However, Rao dismissed the reports and reiterated his commitment to handle the responsibility at a time of heightened communal tensions in the coastal district. The minister acknowledged that there were communal disturbances in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts and stressed the need for firm and impartial action there.
Majority of people for peace
“The problem exists on both sides. There are organisations in both Hindu and Muslim communities that spread hate. I would rather not differentiate between communities. Our focus is on building peace and brotherhood,” he said. Rao said that the vast majority of people in the region desired peace.
“I know for sure that 95% of people in this region want peace. Only a few fringe organisations from both sides are trying to create hatred and disturb harmony,” he observed.
Rao said the government was actively working to restore normalcy and urged peace-promoting groups from all communities to unite.
“We cannot remain silent any longer. We need to support those working for peace,” the minister said.
Special action force
Rao said a special action force would be deployed to handle law and order more effectively in these districts.
He confirmed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Parameshwara had been fully apprised of the developments and that the matter was discussed in detail during a two-day review meeting.
“Strict action was discussed and will soon be implemented,” he assured.