• Launches Forum “Jaya Karnataka”.
• Projects for Kannada cause and rural development.
• Forum to sink 100 bore wells in villages.
• Says 75 % of his income would be used for social causes.
• No membership for criminals in his Forum.
• No violence. Movement based on Gandhian ideals.

Muthappa Rai, the former underworld don who reformed himself as a good Samaritan after abandoning his underworld activities since few years, has announced the launch of a social service organisation Jaya Karnataka which will strive for the cause of Kannada and rural development. Addressing a media conference at Hotel Grand Ashoka, he clarified that his organisation is totally apolitical and would not be a mouth piece for any political party. Rai, who is the Honorary President of the organisation, said that criminals would not be enrolled as members in his organisation.

In the first phase of rural development projects, the organisation would sink 100 bore wells in villages in various parts of the State. In future, projects will be implemented to improve the living conditions of rural population.

Replying to a query Rai disclosed that 75 per cent of his income would be utilised for the organisation's social service projects.

Gandhian path:
While announcing that he would launch agitations for Kannada causes, Rai said that the agitations would never be violent. "Our agitations would be peaceful based on Gandhian ideals," he added.

He said that his organisation would fight for promotion of Kannada language and culture and also priority for Kannadigas in all sectors.

"This organisation is not a competitor to any Kannada organisation or political party. We will extend our support to any Kannada organisation," he clarified.

No Politics:
Asked whether he was interested in contesting elections, he replied in the negative.

"I will neither join a political party nor contest elections though people from my home town Puttur are urging me to contest polls," Rai added.

He also disclosed that several parties had invited him to join. He, however, had rejected such offers.