Mysuru: Union Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, this morning conducted cleanliness drive as part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan at Rajendranagar in N.R. Mohalla here and also planted a sapling on the occasion.

The Union Minister, who arrived in city last night by road, stayed overnight at the Government Guest House in Nazarbad, conducted the cleanliness drive at about 7.30 am today.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that she had come to Mysuru to take part in a slew of events being held as part of BJP’s  ‘Vistharak’ programme.

She said that discussions would be held on strengthening the party from the booth-level and also on various problems. She said that various schemes by the Central Government, whether it is reaching the people or not, would also be discussed.

Speaking about implementation of GST by the Centre, the Minister said that the GST was common man friendly  and is not a curse to them and added that the Opposition parties were opposing it just for the sake of opposing.

Condemns killing of Sharath Madivala: Condemning the killing of pro-Hindu organisation leader Sharath Madivala in Dakshina Kannada, the Minister blamed the State Government for its lapses in maintaining the law and order situation.

MP blames CM’s aides:  Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, speaking on the occasion, said that the State Government was indulging in Vote-Bank politics, which was resulting in communal disturbances. Alleging that the murder of Sharath Madivala was committed by those close to the CM, Pratap Simha said that due to negligence by the State Government, there has been a rise in communal tension in Dakshina Kannada.

He said that the State Government was issuing warnings only to Pro-Hindu organisations but not warning other organisations because of losing votes. The MP said that the State Government had withdrawn cases against SDPI members who had indulged in violence earlier which has now resulted in communal tension in the place.

Minister Nirmala Sitharaman left for MCC Ward No. 31 (Gokulam), where she had breakfast at the house of Corporator Girish and later conducted a door-to-door visit and apprised the residents of various schemes floated by the Central Government.