Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Aug 2: A Rs 2 crore coastal protection project meant to shield Padubidri beach from sea erosion has sparked an unexpected political showdown, as rival banners celebrating the development have turned into symbols of credit-claiming and party rivalry.

The long-term sea erosion prevention work officially commenced at Padubidri Blbeach recently, triggering the first banner war of its kind in the area. The Padubidri gram panchayat, acknowledging the milestone, installed a banner near the project site thanking local MLAs, complete with their photographs, for helping secure the grant.

However, this gesture quickly turned controversial.

Angered by the omission of key Congress leaders, including fisheries and ports minister Mankal Vaidya and former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, the Padubidri rural Congress unit responded with a counter-banner right next to it. Their version prominently featured the two leaders and conveyed appreciation for their roles in ensuring the project’s funding.

The beach, which had suffered extensive erosion damage two years ago, was personally inspected by chief minister Siddaramaiah during a district visit. Minister Mankal Vaidya had at the time assured residents that funds would be arranged—a promise now fulfilled through the Rs 2 crore allocation.

Congress leader Ashok Salian criticised the panchayat’s move, calling it 'selective and politically motivated'. “It is unfair that the panchayat failed to acknowledge the minister who facilitated the funding. The credit should be shared with those responsible,” he said.

BJP leader Shashikant Padubidri defended the gram panchayat, arguing that the MLA’s intervention had been key in pushing the project forward last year after the beach faced significant damage. “The panchayat has every right to thank the MLA. But the Congress’s act of installing a separate banner with both current and former ministers smacks of political opportunism,” he remarked.