Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jul 11: BJP state executive member K Udaykumar Shetty on Monday, July 10, objected the presence of Blossom Fernandes, wife of Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes, at a development review meeting held recently at DC office, Manipal.

Addressing mediapersons at Udupi press club, he said, "What was her role in the meeting? Is that not violation of protocol? Oscar Fernandes has good contacts with higher political personalities. But did nothing for the development of the city. If senior Congress leader Janardhana Poojary was in the same position, he would have done several developmental works."

Speaking further, he condemned the manhandling incident that took place at City Municipality Council (CMC) during its general body meeting last month. "Congress councilors did not allow visitor Rony D'Mello to express his opinion and pushed him out forcefully. They even assaulted him. This has not never happened before," he said.

Udaykumar also said that the name of the newly inaugurated layout for tribal families 'Pramod Madhwaraj layout', should be changed immediately. "District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj has not contributed in anyway to the layout. He only convinced the land owner to make housing sites. Migrant workers themselves borrowed loan from banks for the construction of the houses. Then how can they name it 'Pramod Madhwaraj layout'? It was built by using the funds from CMC and the government," he said.

Rajendra Pandubettu, Nikhesh Palan and others were present.

DC clarifies on Blossom's presence in review meeting

Speaking to Daijiworld, deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis said that it was an unofficial meeting. "Discussions were held on various issues. He wanted to share his ideas for the development of the district," she said.