Oscar defends mud dumping at Phalguni river

Mangalore, May 5: Oscar Fernandes, MP, has defended the dumping of mud along the Phalguni river near Kuloor by MSEZ terming it a 'developmental activity'.

Speaking to mediapersons at the district Congress office in the city on Saturday, Mr. Fernandes said that the move will not cause any ecological imbalance. “Instead, people who are protesting against it today will praise the step tomorrow as they will get sweet water”, he argued.

When media persons pointed out that the CRZ norms have been violated in the process, Mr. Fernandes said that for a better good, such things must be ignored. “The four lane work of National highway till Kundapur is also going on and in the process several houses had to be removed. We all know that many accidents occur in the existing road. A broader road is for the public good. Similarly this project is a developmental project. So when such steps are taken, but naturally there will be inconveniences for people which must be compromised”, he said.

When asked if his name is also being considered for the post of President of India, Mr. Fernandes said “I do not consider myself worthy of that post”. He however mentioned that under the leadership of Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi discussions are being held and the candidate will be decided soon.

Responding to a query on Ms. Gandhi's brief inspection of drought hit areas, Mr. Fernandes said that information pertaining to drought in the state had been passed on to her. “She also had a fair aerial inspection of the areas from the helicopter”, he said.

Mr. Fernandes also denied that Sachin Tendulkar's nomination for Rajya Sabha as an MP was Congress' attempt to woo his fan following. “People are demanding that he be awarded with Bharat Ratna. When this Rajya Sabha honour was given to him, people should have appreciated the move. Instead, it is being criticized. There is no political motive in his nomination and it is his choice as to which party he wants to associate himself with. If today you are making an issue out of it, you will do so when he is awarded the Bharat Ratna too”, he said.

On the upcoming Legislative Council polls, Mr. Fernandes said that the party will put up a good show just like it did in the Udupi Chikmagalur bypolls.