Pics: Maricel Fernandes

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, May 27: A heated argument broke out during the Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) general body meeting held at Sathyamoorthy Auditorium on May 27, as councillors clashed over persistent power outages, the state's free electricity guarantee scheme, and alleged negligence by the district in-charge minister.

Councillor Vijay Kodavoor raised concerns over the unreliable electricity supply and questioned the logic behind providing free power amid such erratic service. “There is no proper electricity supply. In such a situation, what is the point of offering free electricity by the state government?” he asked.

In response, councillor Ramesh Kanchan came down heavily on Kodavoor’s remarks, saying, “It seems Vijay Kodavoor does not need any free facilities. If that is the case, clearly state that you do not want electricity. The guarantee scheme is meant for the entire state, not just one person. Lacs of people are benefiting from it.”

Kanchan further challenged Kodavoor to submit a written statement declaring that Udupi district does not require the state’s guarantee schemes. “When your government was in power, you failed to serve the poor. Now, when the Siddaramaiah-led government is helping them, you can’t seem to tolerate it,” he said.

He also reminded the council that the in-charge minister is a state-level minister and not exclusive to Udupi. “How many times did your in-charge minister visit Udupi? When you cannot manage the issues in your own 35-ward area, you speak about the entire state. If you are serious, submit a mass resignation,” he added.

The debate intensified when another councillor expressed frustration over the power situation, stating that citizens are suffering without electricity for up to 48 hours. “People call us when there’s no power, but there is no staff at the KEB to respond. If this continues, people will rely more on the guarantee schemes just to survive,” the councillor said.

In the midst of the exchange, Kodavoor questioned why opposition councillors were answering on behalf of the in-charge minister. “When we question the in-charge minister, why is the opposition answering? Who is supposed to respond?” he asked.

Responding to this, Ramesh Kanchan said, “Let MLA Yashpal Suvarna question the in-charge minister in the Vidhana Sabha.”

Councillors also alleged that whenever MLA Yashpal Suvarna raises these issues in the Vidhana Sabha, he gets suspended.

Answering the argument, MLA Yashpal Suvarna stated that he would take the in-charge minister to task during the upcoming KDP meeting regarding the responsibilities that need to be handled.