Belagavi (Karnataka), February 16 Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Monday that the situation in Dakshina Kannada district has vindicated his cabinet colleague Priyank Kharge's view that a communal atmosphere has discouraged companies from investing in the region.
Rao, who is the district in-charge Minister for Dakshina Kannada, said conditions have improved following a series of government measures aimed at maintaining communal harmony.
"What Priyank Kharge said is correct. If the situation improves, more people will come to Dakshina Kannada district," Rao told reporters here.
Karnataka Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge had remarked at an event that the prevailing communal atmosphere was a deterrent to investments in Dakshina Kannada district.
According to Rao, the government has taken several steps to improve the situation there. Now there is a peaceful atmosphere, and our efforts are focused on attracting more investment to the district.
"Our government is ensuring law and order. We are neither in favour nor against anyone. Anyone who violates the law will face legal action. Therefore, many reforms have been implemented."
Rao noted that the state government is emphasizing tourism, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar had visited coastal Karnataka and inaugurated a day-long workshop.
The Minister said new Memoranda of Understanding were signed and approval was granted to build five-star hotels in Mangaluru.
"There are opportunities in Mangaluru to attract investment, but due to the communal atmosphere, the region was lagging behind. We are also educating people on this," the Minister said.
Alleging that some organizations were vitiating the atmosphere through hate speech, Rao said the police were taking strict action against such groups to maintain law and order.
Dismissing speculation of any leadership tussle in the ruling party, the Minister said the party remained united.
"...there are no differences amongst us or dissenting opinions anywhere. Also, there is no confusion within the party."
Rao said the party organized an event on Friday to celebrate the Congress government's 1,000 days in office, which demonstrates the unity within the party.
In response to a question about some Congress MLAs booking resorts, Rao asked whether MLAs were not allowed to take vacations.