Bhatkal: Fishermen’s organisations in Bhatkal have warned the Karnataka government of an “appropriate response” from the fishing community if former minister and Bhatkal MLA Mankal Vaidya is not given a suitable position in the state government.

The warning was issued at a press conference jointly organised by the Purse Seine Boat Union, Nadadoni Fishermen’s Association, Bhatkal Taluk Moger Samaj and other fishermen’s organisations.

Moger Samaj president Annappa Moger said Vaidya had raised issues concerning fishermen during his tenure as minister and had taken several measures aimed at addressing their concerns.

He said Vaidya had ensured the supply of subsidised kerosene to traditional fishermen who were facing difficulties in procuring it. He also claimed that compensation pending for fishermen who had died during the previous BJP government’s tenure was released during Vaidya’s term and that the compensation amount was subsequently increased to Rs 10 lakh.

Moger further said Vaidya had facilitated dredging work at several fishing harbours, benefiting the fishing community.

“It is not right to deny a ministerial position to an MLA who has worked for development. The Congress will have to pay a price for this in the days ahead,” he said.

Fishermen leader Vithal Daimane said Vaidya had brought changes to the Fisheries Department and worked for the development of the fishing community.

He alleged that the state government had “insulted the backward classes” by giving a ministerial position to a person from an “upper family”.

Several fishermen leaders, including Ratnakar Kharvi, Venkatraman Sannimane, Bhaskar Moger, Shankar Hebbar, Rajendra Kharvi, Gopal Moger and Parameshwar Moger, were present at the press conference.