Karnataka - Mysore   

‘Reintroduction of arrack is Poojary’s personal opinion’

Clarification: Congress leader M. Veerappa Moily at the press conference in Mysore on Monday. Former Union Minister M.V. Rajasekharan is also seen.

MYSORE: Differing with senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member B. Janardhan Poojary’s assertion on reintroduction of arrack in the State if the Congress came to power, former Chief Minister M. Veerappa Moily said a suitable decision in the matter can be taken only by the next Government.

Addressing a press conference in Mysore on Monday, Mr. Moily sought to clarify that the Congress party’s manifesto had not promised to reintroduce sale of arrack in the State and that Mr. Poojary’s assertion in the matter was his “personal opinion”.

Though he agreed that the ban on sale of arrack had forced people to buy more costly liquor, he said total prohibition was a better solution for the malady. He said the issue is best left to the next Government to take a decision.

Mr. Moily’s remarks assumed significance in the wake of Mr. Poojary’s forceful assertion that the Congress party, after coming to power in the next elections, would withdraw the ban on the sale of arrack imposed by the Janata Dal (S)-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition.

Mr. Moily expressed confidence that the Congress would secure an absolute majority. and form the next Government in the State.

Though the Congress had fared well during the 2004 polls, the party would do better during this poll as its stock had improved with a positive swing of 10 per cent of votes in its favour. “The Congress is certain to come to power this time by securing a minimum of 130 seats. We will ensure a stable Government that will last a full term of five years,” he said. He said the BJP, which had won a total of 79 seats, would have to be content with a maximum of 35 seats. Senior BJP leader L.K. Advani, who has not felt the pulse of the people, tried to paint a rosy picture for his party in the elections, he said. But, he soon backtracked and said the BJP would not mind sitting in the Opposition, which was tantamount to an admission that his party was lagging behind, Mr. Moily claimed.

He sought to mock former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa for living in an “illusory” world for hoping to become the next Chief Minister. “His own party leader’s statement should have disillusioned him,” Mr. Moily said.

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‘Reintroduction of arrack is Poojary’s personal opinion’

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