Khader defends proposed Bill, backs Zameer in flag row

Karnataka health minister UT Khader on Saturday justified the proposed Use of Govt Premises and Public Property Bill, saying the state government takes all decisions strictly in line with the Constitution and the law. Speaking in Mangaluru, Khader said the Congress government, chief minister DK Shivakumar, the cabinet and opposition leaders will discuss everything before taking any decision that harms the common man.

Khader also defended minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, whom the BJP has demanded be dismissed over a letter in which Khan said he would not take part in the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony in Vijayanagara district. Khader called Khan a true patriotic leader and an exemplary citizen. He said Khan could not travel due to unavoidable reasons and that politicising his words was wrong. Khader added there was no discontent over portfolios within the party.

On the gutka ban controversy, Khader said packets containing pan masala mixed with nicotine, tobacco and gutka remain banned but plain pan masala is permitted. He denied that the government bowed to industrialists and said the ban would not hurt arecanut growers. Khader asked to wait three months to see the impact on arecanut prices.