Udupi: The new office of the State Minister for Ports and Mujrai Kota Srinivas Poojari was inaugurated  at Rajathadri, the Udupi district administration complex on July 22, Sunday. The office was declared open by veteran BJP leader Somashekar Bhat.

Speaking to mediamen on the occasion, Poojari said there was no compulsion for the temples to offer poojas to pray to Rain God. At the same time he said there was nothing wrong in praying to God for rains. Moreover, the cost will be borne out of the temple revenue and not from state treasury, he added.

He also informed on the occasion that a meeting with port officials will be held in Bangalore on July 24 to discuss various issues pertaining to development of ports.

Among those present on the occasion were  K Raghupathi Bhat, Lalaji Mendon, MLAs, MT Reju, Deputy Commissioner,  SA Prabhaker Sharma, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer, Udupi ZP Chief Katapady Shanker Poojari and others.