Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Karkala, Jan 20: BJP members staged a day-night ‘dharna’ led by MLA Sunil Kumar at Bandimatt bus stand here on Friday January 19 against incomplete construction works.
Addressing the protestors, MLA Sunil Kumar said, “Congress has been cheating Karkala constituency since 38 years. We had asked the government to answer our questions on the incomplete projects here. They did not answer which has forced us to hold this dharna. Congress has not fulfilled public expectations.
“Central minister Veerappa Moily on January 19, 2014 laid foundation stone for many development works like the Rs 2 crore construction project of Pura Bhavan (townhall) near Bandimatt, Rs one crore project which involves construction of gallery for Lava-Kusha Kambala ground at Miyar village and setting up of boating club at Anekere lake for tourism. They have not completed anything.
“Congress has cheated people in every election. During the Mahamastabhishekha event in Karkala in 2014, Veerappa Moily laid foundation stone for lift irrigation in Kucchur village. He also promised to adopt Inna village. None of the promises are fulfilled.
“In minister V S Acharya’s tenure as a minister, many developments were seen, but now Udupi district is facing many issues including sand crisis. Construction workers have become jobless. The government is showing no interest towards the construction of the Pura Bhavan. This shows how much they respect artistes,” he said.
MLA Sunil also sought the details of ten years of Congress administration at state and details of fund released for Karkala constituency.
“After Modi government came to power in the Centre, Rs 350 crore was released for Karkala in just 3.5 years. The BJP is committed and keeps to its promises. The Congress government buys other party members and sells its leaders too. We have no hesitation in approaching public in the next elections as I have performed well in my term.
“The Congress is working for political gains. We should all unite for development. Nitte-Attur road is being constructed at a cost of Rs 3 crore due to funds from BJP,” he said.
Maniraj Shetty, constituency president said, “Development is BJP's aim. After long years, Rahul Gandhi realized Congress’ wrong perception. He might come to Karnataka and visit temples. Hindutva is a life style of Hindustani people. Uniting all diverse communities becomes a culture. Congress government arouses communal conflict by upholding caste and religious issues.”
District BJP president Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, Bolar Prabhakar Kamath, BJP state secretary Uday Kumar Shetty, Harish Punja, Pramila Harish and others were present.
A bike rally was held as part of the day-night dharna from Karkala city to Bandimatt bus stand.