Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)
Udupi, Apr 22: "Ramesh Kanchan, President of the Udupi Block Congress Committee, stated in a press release, “Opening the Santhekatte underpass for traffic, which remains incomplete, as an election gimmick. Despite public pleas for its completion a year ago, neither NHAI nor the respective political representatives paid any attention. I urge the state government to hold Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna and MP Shobha Karandlaje accountable for any loss of life or damage resulting from the substandard work on the Santhekatte underpass.
Last year, without making any provision, a trench nearly six feet deep was dug. During the monsoon, one part of the service road collapsed, causing panic among nearby buildings. Currently, a concrete retainer wall has been built on one end, while the other end remains a mud wall. Despite this, vehicles are allowed to ply in between. With the recent rain that lashed the city early Saturday morning, the mud wall has softened and is at risk of collapsing at any moment. Additionally, the iron rods installed on the other end of the concrete wall have protruded outside, posing a serious danger to motorists.
"The residents of Kemmannu and Santhekatte areas are compelled to walk one kilometer to reach Ashirwad, as there is no bus stand near the Santhekatte underpass or any steps provided to climb out of the trench and access Kemmannu. MP Shobha Karandlaje bears direct responsibility for this chaotic situation. There was no urgent need to open the road to the public while significant work remains unfinished. This move by the BJP seems motivated solely by electoral considerations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. It is truly shameful that they have created division between Santhekatte and Kallianpur, hindering the movement of people in these areas.
"Shobha Karandlaje, known for her divisive politics, was compelled to leave Udupi and run to Bengaluru by her own party workers through a 'Go Back' campaign due to her failure to bring about any development in the region. Now, as a result of her mismanagement, the people of the district are experiencing significant inconvenience.
"Those BJP leaders who urge the public to vote for Modi should also urge PM Modi to visit this road once. The people of Udupi will provide a fitting response in this year's Lok Sabha elections for the misrule of the BJP. Otherwise, the people of Udupi cannot live in peace," he stated.