Political class has failed to realise full growth potential of coastal region, says MP

Political class has failed to realise full growth potential of coastal region, says MP

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 21, 2026: Captain Brijesh Chowta on Friday said it was wrong to portray Mangaluru and other parts of the Karavali (coastal) region in a poor light with preconceived notions at a time when the world is keenly looking at the region for investment.

Indirectly responding to recent remarks by Priyank Kharge that communal tensions and religious narratives have created a negative investment climate in the Mangaluru-Udupi-Manipal belt, the Dakshina Kannada MP said the Karavali region has a strong legacy of entrepreneurship. He pointed out that Mangaluru is the State’s only port city and holds immense potential for growth and development. “Those at the helm of affairs in the State should understand this,” he said.

Speaking at the inauguration of the nine-day national SARAS (Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society) Mela in Mangaluru, where products made by women Self-Help Groups are on sale, Chowta said the political class had failed to fully recognise the region’s growth prospects. “It is our responsibility to make the best use of the opportunities available in Karavali,” he added.

He urged those in power to refrain from presenting a negative image of Dakshina Kannada. “When the coastal belt is being projected in poor light, it becomes our duty to present the correct picture,” he said, calling on people across Karnataka to rise above political differences and support the region’s development.

The MP also appreciated the Karnataka Rural Livelihood Mission for organising the SARAS Mela in Mangaluru, noting that the concept was originally introduced by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Meanwhile, Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath criticised the Karnataka Rural Livelihood Mission for not displaying photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at the venue. He said the programme is being held under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, with the Union Government contributing 60 per cent of the funds and the State sharing the remaining 40 per cent, and added that the Centre’s contribution should have been duly acknowledged.