Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (EP)
Bantwal, August 25: Bantwal MLA, Rajesh Naik Ulippady on Friday protested against taluk panchayat executive officer (EO) Rajanna, with a demand to register his indignation at the reported cancellation of transfer orders of a driver.
The MLA said that the transfer had been made on the basis of his request. “Cancellation of the orders is an insult to me and interference with my duty,” he said.
Francis, driver of the official vehicle used by Bantwal taluk panchayat executive officer, Rajanna, had retired on July 31. Bantwal MLA, Rajesh Naik, had submitted a written request to zilla panchayat chief executive officer, seeking transfer of Ashok Kumar Naik, who had been working at Mangaluru for the last fifteen years, in the place of Francis. Ashok Kumar Naik had requested the MLA for his transfer to this place. The zilla panchayat chief officer had transferred him here on temporary basis and the driver had reported for duties on August 21 this year.
MLA Rajesh Naik has alleged that Ashok Kumar Naik was not allowed to work on August 23 and Francis, who had already retired, has been employed illegally as driver. “I am compelled to act as Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat chief executive officer cancelled the transfer order of Ashok Kumar Naik. Who is behind this cancellation?” the MLA wanted to know, expressing anguish at taluk panchayat EO Rajanna, adding that he who is a people's representative, has been cheated and insulted.
MP Nalin Kumar Kateel visits:
MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, who got the information and came to the spot, said that the MLA has been insulted. “Employing retired driver by overlooking the MLA’s request is not right. Zilla panchayat chief executive officer (CEO) should convincingly explain everything to me and the MLA by August 28. Protests will be held on August 29 otherwise in case of their failure,” he warned.
“People have been wondering who the MLA here is. Orders by people other than elected representatives are being followed,” said leaders, M Govinda Prabhu and Devadas
Shetty, expressing anger at this state of affairs. “Zilla panchayat CEO and Bantwal taluk panchayat EO have disrespected Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik by ignoring his request,” they said.
When EO tried to contact zilla panchayat CEO, he was told that the official was on leave. The MLA requested official, M V Nayak, who came to the spot to give clarification.
Former MLA, K Padmanabha Kothari, zilla panchayat member, Tungappa Bangera, BJP leaders, K Harikrishna Bantwal, Devadas Shetty, A Govinda Prabhu, Dinesh Amtooru, Prabhaker Prabhu, Yashwant Polali, Prakash Anchan, Yashodhara Karbettu, Suguna Kini, Pramod Ajjibettu, Ramanath Rai, Vajranath Kalladka and other activists started gathering at the spot of protest. However, Bantwal police arrived to the spot to control the situation going out of hand.