Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (EP)
Karkala, Jun 6: The local unit of Congress has filed a complaint with the Udupi deputy commissioner against Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar, alleging that he violated Covid-19 protocols in the taluk by holding programmes to distribute okra seeds publicly.
In his complaint against the MLA, Karkala block Congress leader Shubhad Rao said, "Several villages in the taluk have been sealed down due to the corona pandemic. In the circumstances, MLA Sunil Kumar who is in a responsible position is holding public programmes and sending a wrong message to society.
L to R: Shubhad Rao and Sunil Kumar
"The MLA is trying to sow the seeds of his political future by holding such programmes in the midst of a pandemic. By doing this, he is playing with the lives of the people of the taluk," he stated.
"Cases of coronavirus are increasing at a scary pace in Karkala constituency, and the MLA's failure in managing the crisis is directly responsible for this. The state government had recently released a set of guidelines pertaining to distribution of grains and ration to beneficiaries, but the MLA threw all caution to the wind and organized programmes at taluk panchayat premises with over 100 beneficiaries present, in violation of lockdown protocols. The tahsildar and other officials were also present at this programme that is a testimony of the irresponsibile attitude of the MLA," he stated.
"Recently, as many as 16 gram panchayats in the taluk were completely sealed down by the administration in the wake of rising number of coronavirus cases, and since then, several daily wage workers are being forced to starve. But the MLA and his supporters are going to these same villages and distributing seeds in order to indirectly prepare for the upcoming taluk and zilla panchayat elections. There is a lot of anger against the MLA over this," Rao said.
"Are there separate laws for ordinary people and for Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar?” questioned Shubhad Rao in his complaint to the deputy commissioner.
"There are several problems regarding Covid-19 in the district. The MLA should solve them on priority. He has set them aside and is conducting programmes concerning Karkala brand okra seeds. Let him distribute the seeds from house to house if he wants. But public programmes in this connection are not appropriate," he said.
Shubhad Rao urged the deputy commissioner to immediately give directions to the MLA and take suitable action against him.