Karnataka state government has now chosen to rename Congress established Indira Canteen to ‘Maharshi Valmiki Anna Kuteera‘. The revenue minister R Ashoka on Tuesday said that the government will rename the canteens barring those in Bengaluru city. Pulling sharp response, the Congress party complained that the government is indulging itself in cheap politics.
The renaming exercise
When BS Yediyurappa took oath as CM, there was a request to change the name of the canteen to Annapoorna, however, Congress had opposed it. Now the BSY having the full majority after the by-polls results, the state government will go ahead with the program for renaming Indira Canteens across Karnataka (excluding Bengaluru) to Maharshi Valmiki Anna Kuteera.
“There have been several accusations regarding the functioning of Indira canteens including poor quality of food, inflating several customers served, food not being cooked at the venue and other issues. The media has also been reporting the scams. So we are examining the functioning of the canteens,” Karnataka revenue minister R Ashoka told.
“Former minister Raju Gowda has submitted a memorandum to rename Indira Canteens. The same will be discussed with Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. This proposal is only for canteens outside Bengaluru,’’ he added.
Excluding Bengaluru
The Siddaramaiah government has introduced Indira Canteens in Bengaluru in August 2017. Originally, the canteens were just in Bengaluru but were later introduced to other parts of the state. There are more than 260 Indra canteens outside Bengaluru city.
On why the government left out Bengaluru Indra Canteens from the renaming exercise, Ashok replied, “I do not examine the Bengaluru department portfolio. The chief minister will decide on this concern.”
Protesting the renaming action, the Congress party has called it a cheap politics act, Congress twitter handle wrote, “If you lack ideas and knowledge to introduce pro-people programs, you can seek the help of the Congress leaders. But do not change the name of Indira Gandhi who sacrificed her life for the country. You will face the public wrath.”
The former Chief Minister Siddaramaiahhad series of Twittets where he condemned the move saying it is a petty politics, “We are inspired by the Garibi Hato slogan of former PM Indira Gandhi who had fought against poverty. She is not just a Congress party leader but that of the entire country and especially of poor people.”
#IndiraGandhi fought for the rights of poor & took measures to address the issues of hunger. She is not just @INCIndia leader but a leader for the whole nation. She protected the interests of common man.
This was the reason for naming the canteen after her.#SaveIndiraCanteen
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 17, 2019
There is a news that @BJP4Karnataka wants to name #IndiraCanteen after Maharshi Valmiki.
We have great respect for Maharshi Valmiki but it is sad that BJP is using his name for political reasons.#SaveIndiraCanteen
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 17, 2019
Maharshi Valmiki is a great poet who wrote epic Ramayana. He is an inspiration for many of us for his rise inspite of being born in tribal sect.
Let the govt implement scheme that complements his achievements and name it after him. I shall welcome the same.#SaveIndiraCanteen
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 17, 2019
