Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Aug 6: Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar has strongly criticised the Congress party, accusing it of obstructing the redesign and development of the Parashurama Theme Park in Karkala. He alleged that not only local Congress leaders but also senior members of the party have been speaking out against the project, revealing their lack of understanding of its significance.

Speaking at a massive vehicle rally from the Karkala BJP office to the DC office in Manipal in support of the Parashurama Theme Park, and later during a protest held in the DC office premises in Udupi on August 6, Sunil Kumar questioned the Congress party’s contribution to the development of Udupi district. “Many senior leaders from our party have contributed to the district’s growth. What have Congress leaders done?” he asked.

“Projects like the Parashurama Theme Park, Koti Chennaya Park, and Anekere Jain Basadi were launched to promote tourism, but Congress has failed to understand their value,” he said. “Even when miscreants blocked the road with mud and halted the ongoing work, no legal action was taken by the district administration or local police. Why this silence?”

The MLA questioned the Congress leadership’s hostility towards BJP initiatives. “The Parashurama Theme Park had already started drawing thousands of tourists within a short span, establishing itself as a promising attraction. The total project cost is Rs 11 crore, of which Rs 6.72 crore has already been sanctioned. But Rs 4.23 crore is still pending. The funds were approved when our government was in power. Why is your government delaying them now?” he asked.

Sunil Kumar further alleged that the Congress continues to show bias and its leaders are deliberately obstructing the project. “If this continues, we will be forced to block roads and launch a strong agitation. We will show Congress the strength of the BJP,” he warned.

Udupi district BJP president Naveen Shetty Kutyaru said, “When MLA Sunil Kumar initiated development works in Karkala, Congress dismissed them as if nothing was being done. Our leaders only sought a fair investigation to reveal the truth. Now that our rally has begun and the truth is emerging, no one can stop us. It is your responsibility to support developmental efforts. If you continue to oppose them, the people will reject you.”

Karkala BJP president Mahaveera Hegde, other party leaders, and BJP workers were present at the protest.