Ivan D’Souza accuses MLA Vedavyas Kamath of playing politics over development

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, March 1, 2026: Congress MLC Ivan D’Souza on Saturday accused Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath of indulging in politics in the name of development and attempting to gain mileage through “false allegations.”

Addressing reporters, D’Souza said that while the MLA had accused the state government of not releasing development funds, he was simultaneously laying foundation stones for various projects. “If no funds were released, where did the money for these works come from?” he questioned.

He urged the MLA to lead an all-party delegation to the government to seek funds instead of making public allegations. D’Souza also asked what major projects were brought to the city during the BJP’s tenure in the state three years ago. He noted that the Mangaluru City South constituency had BJP representation for over two decades, except between 2013 and 2018 when Congress leader J R Lobo was the legislator.

Highlighting ongoing initiatives, D’Souza said that under the Mahatma Gandhi Nagara Vikas Yojana, works worth ₹125 crore were taken up in the first phase, while tenders for ₹165 crore were floated in the second phase. He added that Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV, also administrator of the MCC, recently approved 225 works worth ₹10 crore.

“Are these not development works? The MLA should stop misleading the public,” he said.

D’Souza further stated that he had urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is set to present the state budget on March 6, to allocate ₹1,250 crore in phases to strengthen the city’s underground drainage (UGD) network. He pointed out that contaminated wells and sewage flowing into open drains reflected the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades.

He also sought a special package of ₹100 crore for the city’s development and proposed a ring road along the seashore, development of Sasihitlu and Bengre beaches, promotion of tourism through five-star hotels, and allocation of funds to establish a High Court bench or circuit bench in Mangaluru.