Mangaluru : The district Congress manifesto for the upcoming zilla panchayat (ZP) and taluk panchayat (TP) elections was released at District congress office on Monday February 15.

District in-charge minister and minister for forest and ecology, Ramanath Rai released the manifesto for the second phase elections in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, on February 20.

Speaking on the occassion, Rai said, If congress come to power in zilla and taluk panchayats, will give more importance to the development of rural parts of the district. It is a pro-developmental manifesto. We have fulfilled of the promises we made during the Assembly elections.

He also said that the party expects a direct fight with the BJP in most of the constituencies and brushed aside tough competition from parties such as the SDPI and independent candidates. Rai expressed hope of a comprehensive victory in the polls as according to him, the BJP has done no good for the public during its tenure in the Zilla Panchayat.

Former minister B A Moideen, MLC Ivan D’souza, district Congress interim president Ibrahim Kodijal, former mayors Shashidhara Hegde and K Ashraf, and AICC member PV Mohan were present.