Foundation Stone Laid for Udupi Kambala Track Amid Prohibitory Orders; Case Filed Against Leaders

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, March 1, 2026: Amid a political tussle between the BJP and Congress over the event date and permissions, the district administration on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the Udupi Kambala track at Bairanje under prohibitory orders. The Kambala is scheduled to be held on April 25.

Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS to prevent clashes, and the ceremony was conducted under tight police security.

Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty said the Karnataka State Kambala Association had fixed April 25 for the event and that District Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar and the administration were informed about Saturday’s ceremony. However, former MLA Vinay Kumar Sorake had announced that the programme would be held on March 4.

Shetty alleged that though the minister initially agreed to Saturday’s event, she later sought a postponement. “All preparations were complete, so we proceeded,” he said, adding that ₹60 lakh has already been spent on levelling 6.3 acres for the track out of the estimated ₹2 crore required. He claimed government funds have not yet been released.

Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole said the responsibility to organise the event rests with the sitting MLA. Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja accused the Congress government of neglecting coastal districts and urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Minister Hebbalkar to release at least ₹1 crore for the event.

Association president Deviprasad Shetty Belapu said the government had allotted land for the Kambala and dismissed claims of political controversy.

Based on a complaint by the Udupi tahsildar, a case has been registered at Manipal police station against 37 named and other unidentified persons for allegedly violating the DC’s order and for criminal trespass at the Bairanje site near Athrady.

Those booked under various sections of the BNS and KP Act include MLAs Gurme Suresh Shetty, Yashpal Suvarna, V Sunil Kumar, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Gururaj Gantihole, Harish Poonja, Rajesh Naik, MLC Dr Dhananjay Sarji, MP Kota Shrinivasa Poojary and Deviprasad Shetty Belapu, among others.