If Cong fields Sorake from DK, we will field a candidate to defeat him: Muslim outfit

coastaldigest.com news network

February 21, 2019

Mangaluru, Feb 21: Muslim Sanghatenagala Okkoota, an unofficial umbrella body of a section of Muslim organisations in Dakshina Kannada (DK) has warned the Congress party against fielding former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake from the DK Lok Sabha constituency in looming general elections.

A two-time MLA from Puttur, and a former MP from Udupi, Mr Sorake lost the assembly election from Kaup in 2018, although he had represented it the previous term. Currently the Billava leader is lobbying for Lok Sabha ticket from DK.

Addressing a press conference here today, Okkoota president K Ashraf, who joined Janata Dal last year after quitting Congress, called Mr Sorake an “anti-Muslim.”

“It was because of the support of Muslims of Kaup constituency in Udupi, Mr Sorake had become an MLA in 2013 Assembly polls. However, he is anti-Muslim colour came to light during the last taluk and zilla panchayat elections,” he said.

"In the past Muslim candidates had won zilla and taluk panchayat elections for the Congress in Udupi. But Sorake ensured that Muslims were not given tickets in the last local body elections," complained Mr Ashraf, who had earlier served as the Mayor of Mangaluru.

“What was more shocking was Mr Sorake’s statement that Hindus would not vote for Congress candidates if it fields Muslims. We can never tolerate such statements,” said he said.

“He is an-Muslim. We will never entertain him. We do not want the Congress to field such a candidate from Dakshina Kannada. If it still fields him, Muslim Okkoota will field or support an alternative candidate," he warned.

Muslim Okkoota representatives Mohammad Haneef U, C M Mustafa, Siddiq Talapady, Haris Baikampady, V H Kareem, Ibrahim Kailar, Hidayat Maripalla, K S Aboobakar and P V Raheem were present among others at the press meet.

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enemy of my enemy is my friend...Vote for sorake at least he is not like chaddi terror, he will lead good and make DK people live in peace, if BJP came we all know all people will suffer including hindus.

You guys are not capable of winning nor will let others win. You guys are responsible for the BJP win and suffering of Muslims in DK today. Just being a Muslim doesn't qualify for the Congress seat.

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PM Modi vows to strengthen India-Maldives ties, inks currency swap deal with President Muizzu

News Network

October 7,2024

New Delhi: Seeking to strengthen bilateral ties, India and the Maldives on Monday inked a currency swap agreement to the tune of $400 million, a move that would help the archipelago nation overcome foreign exchange reserve issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu also launched Rupay card in the Maldives, inaugurated the new runway at the Hanimadhoo International airport and agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations that had hit a rocky patch last year.

Muizzu, who is on a four-day state visit, held talks with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House here.

After the talks, India also handed over 700 social housing units to the Maldives built under the EXIM Bank’s buyer’s credit facilities.

"Today, we have inaugurated the redeveloped Hanimaadhoo Airport. Now, the Greater Male Connectivity Project will also be expedited. We will also support the development of a new commercial port in Thilafushi," Modi told reporters here with Muizzu by his side.

Modi said India and Maldives have decided to initiate discussion on the Free Trade Agreement to further strengthen economic ties.

The prime minister described Maldives as a "close friend" which had an important position in India's neighbourhood policy and SAGAR vision.

"India has always fulfilled the responsibilities of a neighbour. Today, we have taken up the vision of a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership to give our mutual cooperation a strategic direction," Modi said.

Earlier, Muizzu was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan by President Droupadi Murmu. Prime Minister Modi was also present on the occasion.

Muizzu was given a tri-services guard of honour before he drove down the Rajghat to offer his respects at the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November.

Muizzu won the presidential election last year on the 'India out' campaign and asked New Delhi to withdraw its military personnel posted in the archipelago nation by May this year.

The bilateral ties also hit a rocky patch when Maldivian ministers were critical of Modi. However, Muizzu has since toned down his anti-India stance and even sacked ministers who were critical of the Indian prime minister.

As the Maldives was grappling with a serious economic downturn, India has decided to extend vital budgetary support to the Maldives government with the rollover of a $50 million Treasury Bill for another year.

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