Mandya: Politician and Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj is known for his unique style of protests. Here is one more politician who decided to plough a lonely furrow to register his protest and draw the attention of the authorities concerned.

Mandya District Janata Dal (United) President B.S. Gowda draped a mosquito net and sat alone in front of the Zilla Panchayat office here on Saturday to bring to the attention of the authorities concerned about the spread of vector-borne diseases. He accused the officials for failing to control the spread of chikangunya, dengue and other diseases by not taking remedial measures.

According to the information available with the General Hospital, 30 or more deaths have occurred in the district due to chikangunya and dengue. In the last four budgets, the Government had earmarked Rs. 27 crore for the control of vector borne diseases. The media reports had stated that only Rs. Five crore had been spent so far.

As these diseases are on the rise, the costs of medicines have almost doubled. The poor are finding it difficult to purchase medicines. The hospitals   should be directed to give the medicines at reduced costs and proper steps should be taken to control the spread of diseases, urged Gowda.