Cong committed to provide railway connectivity to Kodagu, says MP

MP H Vishwanath has said that the Congress is committed to provide railway connectivity between Mysore-Kushalnagar and thereby include Kodagu in the railway map.

Speaking to mediapersons on Tuesday, he said the survey for the project has already been completed.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs 650 crore. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has promised to bear 50 per cent of the cost of the project. The CM has also promised to provide land for railway project in Kodagu.

Union Minister for Railways Mallikarjuna Kharge has already taken a decision on implementing the project.

He said as announced in the budget, the government has released Rs 50 crore to the district, of which, Rs 30 crore will be utilised for the development of panchayat roads and Rs 20 crore for PWD roads. The Congress-led State government has promised to release additional Rs 10 crore for developing roads.

‘Not an American model’

The MP said that in the Lok Sabha polls, the decision on Prime Ministerial candidate will be taken after winning the mandate of the people in the Lok Sabha polls. Unfortunately, the BJP has been projecting Narendra Modi as its PM candidate. “India is not following American presidential election model,” he ridiculed. “In the US, the citizens directly elect their presidents. However, in a democratic set up like India, only after getting majority, PM is elected. The BJP have to struggle to fetch majority of 280 seats in the election. No regional parties are with the NDA barring Akali Dal and Shiva Sene,” he added. The MP said “Modi has been speaking on opposing Muslims. However, India imports crude oil from Muslim countries. In such a situation, how can he take the country forward?” he asked.

‘Need education’

Flaying Pejawar seer Vishweshatheertha Swamiji’s statement that he is ready to offer ‘Vaishnava Deekshe’ to members of Kuruba community, Vishwanath said that “instead of Vaishanava Deekshe, there is a need to impart education. Education will help in the development of a society.”

Pejawar mutt should work towards the welfare of the Kuruba community by imparting free education. “I have a great respect for Pejawar seer. I also come from a Kuruba community.

Let the seer include Kaginele Mutt as a part of Ashta Mutt of Udupi,” he said.