Mangaluru, Oct 14, 2015 : Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel who strongly criticised the state government for curbing the BJP Padayatra before it reached the Yettinahole project site, alleged that the party which claimed to be an ardent follower of Gandhian principles had gone against it by disallowing the protestors to move ahead and complete the Padayatra.
Speaking to reporters at the District BJP office on October 14, Wednesday, Nalin Kumar said the government had curbed the peaceful and democratic means of protest out of fear.
Stating that the Rs 13000 crore Yettinahole project was nothing but an attempt to swindle public money, Nalin said he and his party men would join the Rasta Roko protest against the project at Pumpwell on October 15.
Referring to the Prashanth Poojary murder case in Moodbidri, Nalin demanded a compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the family of the deceased and alleged that the police have failed to make a thorough investigation into the case He also demanded that the killers of Prashanth be traced and arrested immediately.
He further questioned the silence of the Congress leaders including District in-charge Minister Ramanatha Rai regarding the case and also criticised Rai for not visiting the house of the deceased.
Pratap Simha Nayak, District BJP President who was also present said the protest against Yettinahole project will continue until the government drops the project. He also stated that the BJP would hold a district level committee meeting to discuss the issue. He further made a strong case for a public hearing on the project under the leadership of DK District in-charge Minister.