Banning MES will not solve the problem: Minister Satish Jarkiholi

Belagavi: Public works minister Satish Jarkiholi said that the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) no longer exists. "The chapter on the border dispute is over, and banning MES will not solve the dispute. We have no opposition to the Karnataka bandh call. Everyone has the right to protest, but our intention is that people should not suffer due to this," he added.
Speaking to media at Congress Bhavan on Saturday, minister Satish said that there is no need to give so much importance to MES. "The situation 50 years ago does not exist anymore. If MES is banned, there are chances that organisations will be formed under different names and become active. These forums should join the mainstream of Karnataka," he suggested.
"We have provided employment to all, without considering their language. Marathi speakers have also benefited from the schemes of the Karnataka govt. The Maharashtra govt is providing govt facilities to the people of its state in the border areas. It may have announced projects. However, not everyone benefits from them. However, Karnataka state govt's projects are reaching all the language speakers. Most of the NREGA projects are being given in the border area," he said.
"Maharashtra govt is implementing its projects in the border area not for our people. It is better for the govt to control the language conflict by planning and implementing programmes", he said. "Protest and bandh is everybody's right, they should protest. But the bandh should not cause any problems to schools, colleges, hospitals, and business transactions," he opined.
‘Honeytraps set for roaring tigers'
Minister Satish said that the honeytraps are being made for ‘roaring tigers'. "The mastermind behind these operations should be exposed. If minister KN Rajanna files a complaint, an investigation will be conducted. There is time to file a complaint. There is no need to hand this case over to the CBI. If a complaint is filed, the police will investigate," he said
The final decision on how to investigate the honeytrap issue rests with the chief minister and the home secretary. An investigation should find out the reason behind the honeytrap attempt. We need to know who is behind it. Honeytrap is not just for political reasons.
District Congress Rural president Vinay Navalagatti, KPCC general secretary Sunil Hanamannavar, Siddique Ankalagi, and Raja Salim were present.