Bowing to the demands of the Jain community, Abhaychandra Jain, who was made Minister of State for Fisheries and Youth Services, decided to surrender the portfolio on Monday.
The decision came close on the heels of a felicitation programme organised for the four-time MLA at Moodbidri. Many speakers expressed dissatisfaction over the fact that Abhaychandra was given the Fisheries portfolio as Jains follow a principle of non-violence. His loyalists had also been insisting that it would hurt the sentiments of the community. Abhaychandra (64), who has a diploma in automobile engineering, took the decision after consulting religious leaders.
“I am a Jain who believes in non-violence. As the Fisheries portfolio is against my religious beliefs I will soon hand over this ministry,” Jain told reporters, adding that he had bowed to the sentiments of his community and supporters.
“I have been bestowed with two ministries and I thank Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for having so much faith on me,” he saidHowever, efforts of Express to speak to Abhaychandra failed as he was with the Chief Minister for most of the day.
However, Siddaramaiah who was busy chairing a meeting of deputy commissioners of ZP CEOs throughout the day on Monday, did not entertain his request. It is unlikely that the Fisheries Department will be taken away from Jain at least until the completion of the Legislature session beginning on Wednesday.
Neighbour Suffers
As soon as Abhaychandra made public his decision, his neighbour was flooded with calls from well-wishers and reporters. It appears that Jain had furnished the cell number of his neighbour while filing his affidavit during the elections.