Mangaluru: Former minister Pramod Madhwaraj on Thursday accused the BJP government of neglecting the interests of the fishing community during the present times of Covid pandemic despite getting the support of the community during election.

Speaking to mediapersons here, he said the government has cheated the fishermen community by not announcing any package despite the fishermen being worst hit by the Covid-induced lockdown.

The fishing industry which contributes immensely to the economy of the coastal district has literally struggled due to the pandemic, lockdown and cyclone. Several other industries which rely on fishing too are suffering problems, he said and added that during the past four decades, he has not seen the fishing industry suffer so much.

He urged the government to postpone the loan repayment term of the fishermen by another six months and also to waive the interest.