Mangalore : The Member of Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza in his first visit to the city he was greeted with the garland on Saturday as party workers thronged to the district office to welcome him.

Speaking at District Congress Office Ivan D’Souza said the nomination was a “recognition” of his work for the Congress over the past 13 years. “The party always rewards its loyal members. My main objective will be to ensure the growth of the party here,” he said, urging workers to “forget” the disappointment of the Lok Sabha polls and look ahead at the next Assembly and Lok Sabha polls.

The newly nominated MLC said he requested the party “for a platform for social work”, and he was granted one. “I have already discussed the problems of the Mangalore City Corporation and deliberated on the education policy. I will ensure the work of the government reaches the people, and people’s issues reach the government,” said Mr. D’Souza.

Ibrahim Kodijal, interim president, district Congress Committee, congratulated the new MLC with a garland.

With several Congress workers using the busy Hampankatta Junction to burst crackers and greet the MLC, traffic movement was affected for more than an hour.

Bharath Raj Rai, vice president, A.C Vinay Raj, corporator, Hilda Alva, former Mayor, Sadashiva Ullal, Kripa Amar Alva, D.P. Jayaram, Nagendra, T.K. Sudhir, Ashish Pereira, Nazir Bajal and other members were present.