He was accorded a jovial welcome to Mangalore by his supporters, Congress workers and fellow leaders including Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khader and Mangalore North MLA Moideen Bava.
Speaking to media persons, Mr Rai clarified that there would be no compromise on his stand on the diversion of Nethravati River. The Western Ghats will be safeguarded to keep World Heritage tag given to them intact. The Forest Department will be made more environment-friendly and people-friendly, he assured.
The six-time MLA and Minister for the third term said that there was no dissatisfaction regarding the portfolio handed to him.
“So far, all the departments I've handled are those related to Khaki uniforms, such as Home Ministry, Excise, Home Guards, Prison, Fire Service, Transport and now Forestry. There aren't any more Khaki departments remaining in the state,” he jested. “The current portfolio will be a good prospect for me,” he opined, accepting the new post as a challenge.
Stressing that his stand on Nethravati River diversion was steadfast, he said that more would be discussed on the issue with concerned authorities.
Congress' contributions
Awareness on imbalances in nature should be created among people to help conserve forests. Neither the BJP-led NDA government, nor the state BJP government has contributed anything towards this field, he remarked, stating that ventures like NITK, NMPT, international airport, railway services, four-lane roads, Mangalore University, MRPL and passport office were all contributions of the Congress government.
“In the previous term, the district-in-charge minister was limited to his constituency, but I will consider the entire district as a unit and work towards its development,” said Mr Rai, who is also expected take charge as district-in-charge minister of Dakshina Kannada.
He stressed that he would not bow down to the builder mafia in the coastal district. “The illegal buildings cropping up in the city of Mangalore will be taken into serious consideration,” he said.
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