Date:12/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/12/stories/2008051252260300.htm

Karnataka

Modi concerned over naxalite menace

Special Correspondent

Araga Jnanendra hailed for his role in helping areca growers

‘UPA Government has failed on all fronts’
BJP will get a clear majority: Modi

TIRTHAHALLI (SHIMOGA DISTRICT): Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi said on Sunday that development achieved in his State should be viewed positively without ridiculing it.

Addressing an election rally organised here in support of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)candidate for Tirthahalli seat Araga Jnanendra, he said that the canard against his government was part of the conspiracy by those who could not tolerate his State’s progress under his leadership.

He said that what had been achieved by his government in Gujarat in recent years should be considered as a model by other States instead of viewing it from a narrow political angle.

Criticising the Congress-led UPA Government, he said that it had “failed” on all fronts. Its “failure” to check terrorism posed a serious threat to the unity and integrity of the country.

Mr. Modi said that he responded positively by offering a reasonable price for arecanut when a delegation of areca growers from Karnataka led by BJP leader B.S. Yeddyurappa approached him for help when the price of the produce crashed.

He appreciated the active role of Mr. Araga Jnanendra in espousing the cause of areca growers.

Expressing concern over the growth of naxalites in the Malnad region, he said that it would prove to be costly unless it was contained.

Mr. Modi expressed confidence that the BJP would secure a clear majority in the Assembly elections and form a government in the State on its own. He appealed to the people of the constituency to support Mr. Jnanendra in recognition of his contribution to the constituency as an MLA.

Mr. Jnanendra spoke.