I am a ticket aspirant for LS poll: MLC Ivan

Congress leader and MLC (Member of Legislative Council) Ivan D’Souza has revealed that he was a ticket aspirant in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Dakshina Kannada constituency.

Speaking to mediapersons on Saturday, D’Souza said, “I have already appealed to the High Command in this regard. I am hopeful of getting ticket.”

“As there are a large number of members from minority communities, including Christians in Dakshina Kannada district, I am hopeful that the High Command will issue ticket to me. If given a chance, I am hopeful of winning the election. I am committed to the decisions taken by the High Command,” he said.

To a query on former union minister Janardhan Poojary keen on contesting the Lok Sabha election, he said Poojary too has a right to seek ticket to contest.

Discussion on sand

The MLC said that the burning issue of sand crisis and fixing rate for sand will be discussed in the Council during the ongoing session in Belagavi on December 17.

Out of 25 identified sand bars, permissions were given for extracting sand from 12 sand bars in DK district. Those who were awarded permits for extracting the sand are selling the permits to others. The sand is not available for common man at cheaper rate. The non-availability of sand has affected the development works in the district, he added.

Out of 19 state universities in Karnataka, only Mangalore University has implemented sports policy. All the 18 other universities should also implement sports policy. The State government has given approval for the same, the MLC said.

Christmas celebration

The MLC said that Christmas would be celebrated to foster harmony at Kankanady Grounds on December 23.

Various competitions like carol singing, Santa Clause, star competitions and cake exhibitions will be held from 3 pm to 10 pm which will be followed by distribution of sarees to the people. Winners of the different competitions will be given prizes and cash awards.

CM relief fund

MLC Ivan D’Souza said that the government has released Rs 2 lakh from CM Relief Fund to the family of a person who was murdered at Bokkapatna Bengre.

In a case of mistaken identity, miscreants had murdered Shivaraj when he was sleeping on the terrace of his house. Conventionally, compensation is not released under CM Relief Fund in a murder case.

Shivaraj’s case was considered as special and Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had released the amount. The cheque was handed over to Shivaraj’s mother Varija on the occasion.