Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Sep 6: Protesting against potholes dotting the roads, demanding to fill up the holes and to undertake work to convert Suratkal - Kana - Bala - MRPL road into four lane, a protest was held under the leadership of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) on Wednesday September 5. The leaders condemned the political clout being flexed by people's representatives for cancelling tenders with an eye on commission and held a mock funeral procession of the urban administration from Bala bus stand to Kana Katla, and cremated the effigy in a pothole of the road.

The crowd raised slogans announcing the death of the administration, and inviting legislators, MPs and corporators to mourn the death.

Speaking on the occasion, DYFI district president, B K Imtiaz, said that on account of demand and sustained pressure brought about by the people, foundation stone had been laid for works worth Rs 58 crore. In the changed political scenario, the city corporation, instead of starting the work, has been making efforts to cancel the tender. He accused the people's representatives of indulging in political gimmicks, having been lured by monetary considerations.Noting that people have been fed up with the bad condition of the roads, and accusing big companies like MRPL of not joining hands with the administration in repairing the roads in spite of using them excessively, he warned of intensifying the stir if the potholes are not closed and road widening work is not started immediately.

DYFI leaders, Srinath Kulal, Ajmal Ahmed, B K Masood, I Mohammed, Uday Kana and others, leaders of the agitation committee like Abubakker Bava, Jokatte Hanif and M M Khader, CITU leaders, Moidinabba, Arif and Rashid Mangalapete were present.