Mangaluru: Congress playing politics over development, alleges MLA Vedavyas Kamath

Mangaluru: Congress playing politics over development, alleges MLA Vedavyas Kamath

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 4, 2026: Alleging that the Congress is indulging in politics over development works, Mangaluru MLA Vedavyas Kamath said that funds for two projects within the Mangaluru City Corporation limits were sanctioned during the BJP administration, but attempts are being made to mislead the public by claiming they were approved during the Congress tenure.

Addressing a press conference at the Atal Seva Kendra in the city on Tuesday, Kamath accused District In-charge Minister and MLC Ivan D’Souza of politicising development issues. He said that during the BJP-led administration of the corporation, administrative approval had been granted for Rs 3.42 crore to replace the pumping pipeline connecting the Kodialguthu wet well to the Kudroli wet well, from Kodialguthu to Hallmark Apartments. However, Ivan D’Souza is allegedly spreading misinformation by claiming that he had sanctioned the project and has invited the District In-charge Minister for a site inspection. Kamath questioned the need for an inspection after administrative approval had already been granted.

He further stated that Rs 2 crore had been earmarked for the development of the Ballalbagh bridge on M.G. Road within the corporation limits, and that this too was approved during the BJP administration. However, he alleged that the District In-charge Minister abruptly decided that a bridge was not required at the location and diverted the funds to complete the DC office complex at Padil.

Taking a dig at the Minister, Kamath said he does not have time to convene meetings with MLAs of the district to discuss public issues, but makes himself available for Congress political programmes. “He has become a guest District In-charge Minister here,” he remarked sarcastically.

Kamath also claimed that although there were no Public Works Department roads within the Mangaluru city limits, funds were released due to his efforts. He said that Minister Satish Jarkiholi had released pending grants, and alleged that apart from projects approved by the previous BJP government, the present Congress government has not sanctioned funds for any new works.

Former Mayors Premananda Shetty, Sudheer Shetty Kannur and Divakar Pandeshwar, former Deputy Mayor Shakila Kava, and BJP leaders Manohar Kadri, Mohan Poojary, Ashwith Kottari, Praveen Niddodi and Lallesh were present at the press conference.