Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Mar 2: Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake is obstructing the development of the Kapu constituency and people-oriented works and is indulging in petty politics. "We will not tolerate this. If confrontational politics continues, we will show black flags to the district in-charge minister," stated Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty.
Speaking at a press conference held in Udupi Press Club on March 2, MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty alleged that objections are being raised against every development project in the Kapu constituency. He accused Sorake of using officials to exert pressure through the government and create hurdles for development works.
Gurme Suresh Shetty said that six months ago, government officials including the assistant commissioner (AC) and deputy commissioner (DC) conducted inspections, marked the boundaries, and allocated 6.30 acres of land to the Youth Empowerment Department through the same government.
A non-partisan, non-caste-based Kambala committee was formed, and a copy of the invitation was sent to the district in-charge minister, who had given approval. Photos of Congress leaders were also printed. However, at the last moment, Vinay Kumar Sorake allegedly pressured the in-charge minister and continued his conspiracy to stall the Kambala event. This once again proves the step-motherly attitude of ministers toward the coastal region and the lack of grants, he alleged.
MLA for Karkala Sunil Kumar said that defeated Congress candidates in the coastal region are continuously trying to obstruct the event through officials because they do not want the Kambala to be held or for Gurme Suresh Shetty to take credit for it. "Kambala is merely an excuse, their hidden agenda is to prevent pro-people activities and hinder the district’s development. They will not tolerate officials working like puppets of defeated Congress candidates," he said angrily.
He added that providing funds for the Udupi Kambala is up to the government. Whether or not the government grants funds, the Kambala committee will organise it. If another Bhoomi Pooja (groundbreaking ceremony) is conducted for the Udupi Kambala, they will not remain silent and will launch an intense protest, he warned.
Kota Srinivas Poojary expressed anger alleging that, due to pressure from KPCC Campaign Committee State president Vinay Kumar Sorake, the superintendent of police had filed a case against them for performing the groundbreaking (guddali pooja) ceremony for Kambala. He questioned as to who had authorised the officials to impose prohibitory orders and accuse them of illegally entering a restricted area that had been earmarked for Kambala. He stated that the Kambala committee had been formed legally. However, he alleged that the Udupi SP had threatened them with legal action by registering cases against 37 people, including coastal MLAs and other public representatives, for participating in the ceremony. He criticised this as a very bad precedent.
The press conference was attended by MLA Yashpal Suvarna, MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi, former MLA Lalaji R Mendon, president Udupi District BJP Kutyaru Naveen Shetty and others.