Mangaluru : “The NDA government has asked the Law Commission to ‘examine’ matters related to the uniform civil code. At a time when the country is embroiled in myriad of series of problems is it necessary to rake up the issue of Uniform Civil Code?” he asked on Saturday at a press meet.

“Farmers are in despair with the crash in the price of farm produce. About 65% of the population in the country are dependent on farming for livelihood. There are several religions and castes in the country practising their own customs and traditions. What was the need for the government to interfere in such issues?” he asked. He said that he will speak against the Code if it is raised for a discussion in the Parliament.

To a query on Udupi Krishna mutt, former Prime Minister said that there are several problems which the society is facing in the country. There is a need to look at the condition of farmers who are committing suicide having unable to repay the loans borrowed and loss of crops.

“Those who believe in God, can visit the temples and others can keep quiet. The issue related to temples and mutts should not arise. I will not pressurise anyone to visit the Kateel temple, Ullal dargah or churches. It is left to the believers to visit. Only those who believe can have the darshan of the deity at the Udupi temple,” he said.

Noting that the circular of the state government not to sink borewells cannot be implemented, he said that without borewells there could not be drinking water supply to farmers and citizens in drought-hit taluks. The state government should try to solve problems and not create problems through its circulars.

Deve Gowda said that he will start an agitation in the interest of farmers from Mangaluru to urge the government to provide the facilities for paddy, rubber, arecanut and coconut cultivators, which Kerala state has provided.