April 1: Congress workers and party leaders observed a ‘Black Day’ against the merger of Vijaya Bank with Bank of Baroda. The protest was held in front of the Vijaya Bank Mallikatte branch on Monday. The protesters had worn black badges.
While addressing the protesters, Mithun Rai Congress candidate from Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency said that Vijaya Bank was a victim of dictatorship. By feeding false information to people of Dakshina Kannada about saving Vijaya Bank, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel has fooled people of the district. April 1 is a Black Day for the people of Dakshina Kannada, as Vijaya Bank which was launched in the district ceases to exist. He even stated that Vijaya Bank was the district’s contribution to the country’s development and if congress voted to power, it will ensure that the merger of Vijaya Bank will not take place.
Former minister Ramanath Rai said the bank was launched by A B Shetty on the day of Vijaya Dashami with a dream of transforming the bank to help the youth of DK to get jobs.
Former MLA J R Lobo said April 1 was a ‘Black Day’ for the people of Dakshina Kannada. The half-hearted attempts by seven BJP MLAs and an MP, could not stop the merger of banks.