Mangaluru: “Congress condemns the statement made by the minister and demands a discussion on the issue of BPL cards,” said MLA U T Khader on February 15, condemning the statement made by minister for Food and Civil supplies Umesh Katti who has asked people to return their BPL cards if they own fridge, TV or two-wheeler.
“Congress’ slogan is ‘garibi hatao’ (eradicate poverty) but BJP’s policies seem to be aimed at ‘garibon ko hatao’ (eradicate the poor),” he said. Speaking at a press meet he said that the statement made by the minister is anti-people and that it has proved that the state government has no concern for people.
“The minister should be talking about providing ration cards to those who do not possess them and providing additional rice to beneficiaries. Instead, the minister is asking people to return their ration cards. People will not spare this government. Every household has TV, fridge and two-wheeler. These are not luxury; they are essential for daily life. Why did they leave out mobile phone from the list?” he said.
“The government has reduced the benefits available under BPL card. Rice was cut off from 7 kg to 5 kg. Ragi is distributed in the district, but in reality, people of Dakshina Kannada do not consume ragi. Also, we demand to provide boiled rice instead of white rice. When we were in power, we ensured that every section, be it destitute or civic workers who had Aadhar card would get ration card,” said Khader.
He said that the government will not survive if it does not take back the decision as the people will themselves bring down the government if they introduce such anti-people policies.
