BJP stages protest in Mangaluru over red stone and sand shortage

BJP stages protest in Mangaluru over red stone and sand shortage

mangaloretoday.com

Mangaluru, September 16, 2025: The district unit of the BJP staged a protest at the Clock Tower on Tuesday, criticizing the state government for its inaction over the ongoing shortage of red stone and sand in the region.

Addressing the gathering, MP Capt Brijesh Chowta accused the government of failing to provide a clear solution. “Dinesh Gundu Rao is merely a namesake in-charge minister, while Speaker U T Khader appears to be functioning as the de facto authority on the matter. Instead of establishing a proper legal framework, the government has chosen to avoid the issue,” he alleged.

Chowta further claimed that the Congress-led government is deliberately neglecting the concerns of Dakshina Kannada district. “Perhaps because this region doesn’t support Congress, the government has been indifferent. It must engage with elected representatives to find a resolution. Today’s protest is symbolic—we plan to organize larger demonstrations if the situation continues,” he warned.

District BJP president Sathish Kumpala echoed the sentiment, stating, “We’ve raised this issue with the chief minister and relevant officials. We even brought it up in the legislative assembly. Despite being aware of our concerns, the chief minister has not responded, and Speaker U T Khader has failed in his responsibilities.”

In response, Speaker U T Khader, speaking to reporters prior to the protest, said the state cabinet had already approved a new policy and the chief minister had signed off on it. “Out of 53 applications received for red stone operations, 25 have been granted licenses and permits under the new framework. All elected representatives are informed of these developments,” he clarified.