Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Nov 28: At the general session of the city corporation council held here on Thursday November 27, the opposition BJP raised a din over non-appointment of a permanent commissioner to the city corporation, duly alleging that the official's absence had been creating bottlenecks in the smooth functioning of the corporation.

Amidst this continued protest, the agenda was passed hurriedly, before the session was called off after curtailing its duration.

As soon as the session was convened with mayor, Mahabala Maarla, in the chair, opposition leader, Premananda Shetty, jumped to his feet to point out that the city corporation has been suffering for the absence of a permanent commissioner since July last. He drew the attention of the mayor to the protest organized by his party in front of the city corporation office on the issue the same day. He demanded for the adjournment of the session till a permanent commissioner takes over charge.

The mayor tried to convince the opposition by saying that they have the freedom to fight, but insisted that absence of the commissioner had not affected working of the city corporation. He asked them to allow the session to continue, so as to enable it to hold meaningful discussions on various matters.

The opposition corporators then assembled in front of the mayor's chair and shouted slogans against the government. They criticized the Congress for raising property tax and water rates during its regime, adding that oneupmanship between ministers Rai and Sorake had deprived the city corporation of the post of the commissioner.

As the protests continued,the mayor adjourned the session for 15 minutes, during which time, ruling party whip, Shashidhar Hegde, and corporator, Harinath, tried to convince the opposition members to relent. However, the BJP corporators shouted slogans and reiterated their demand to put off the session till a commissioner was appointed, when the session re-assembled. The mayor, however, took the stand that the session cannot be postponed because of one official. He asked Shashidhar Hegde to move the agenda of the session.

When Hegde began to read the agenda, nothing could be heard because of the protests. Opposition corporator, Roopa D Bangera, snatched away the booklet of agenda from Hegde's hands. But the mayor abruptly ended the session after announcing that the agenda has been passed. Thereby, approval was accorded to conduct repairing and filling of pot holes in 122 roads in the city corporation at a cost of Rs 288.87 lac.

About the railways level crossing proposal near Amrith Talkies, it was decided to approve the same if the railways is prepared to bear the cost. As the cost of this level crossing is huge, it was opined that the city corporation would not be able to share the burden. Various other works also got the nod of the session.

Deputy mayor, Kavitha Vasu, in-charge commissioner, Gokuldas Nayak, and various standing committees were present.

Protest

Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Meanwhile, the city unit of BJP protested in front of the MCC against the state government for delay in appointing MCC commissioner and over 'inefficient' administration.

Addressing the protest, BJP leader Umanath Kotian said, "From past seven months, the state government has failed to appoint commissioner to Mangalore City Corporation. Due to internal clash within Congress leaders in the city, the developmental works are getting hindered and are pending. Internal conflict in the party has put people in misery."

Claiming that the ongoing developmental works were all intiated by the BJP, he said, "The developmental works which are taking place now were sanctioned during the time of the BJP government. The present state government has not given a single rupee to the city."

Commenting on the differences among Congress leaders, Kotian alleged, "Internal clash between Ramanath Rai, Vinay Kumar Sorake, J R Lobo, Mohiuddin Bava and Ivan D' Souza have put hinderence to the developmental works in the city."

MLC Monappa Bhandary critizing the Congress leaders said, "Congress came to power by giving false assurance to the people. Even at the time of appointing mayor for the city there was confusion. Now, though it is seven months without city corporation commissioner, the government has failed to take any action."

He also said that though the chief minister said during his last visit to city that commissioner would be appointed soon, nothing has been done yet. "The chief minister should intervene in this matter and appoint city corporation commissioner," he urged.

Ravishankar Mijar, corporator Sudhir Shetty and Premananda Shetty also spoke on this occasion.