
Mangaluru, Nov 20, 2025: Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath has strongly criticised the Congress government, alleging administrative failures and corruption in Dakshina Kannada district. Addressing a press conference at the Atal Seva Kendra in the city, he detailed several issues under the Congress-led administration. Mandal President Ramesh Kandettu, General Secretaries Ramesh Hegde and Lallesh Kumar were present.
1. Water Supply Disruption
A major drinking water pipeline supplying the city burst, leaving citizens without water for three to four days. Kamath said the Mangaluru City Corporation, functioning under the State Congress government, failed to make alternative arrangements despite lakhs of residents suffering. He called the government’s negligence “the height of irresponsibility.”
2. Ayush Hospital Drug Scam
Kamath alleged large-scale irregularities in drug procurement at Mangaluru Ayush Hospital. Expired medicines were supplied due to officials’ greed, endangering public health. He said he brought this to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner with documents and also raised it during the KDP meeting chaired by the district in-charge minister. He added that Lokayukta raids have already uncovered evidence and that a thorough investigation may reveal “hidden hands,” raising suspicion among the public about Congress leaders including UT Khader and Ivan D’Souza.
3. Yakshagana Controversy
He demanded the immediate removal of Kannada Development Authority Chairman Purushotham Bilimale for making derogatory remarks about Yakshagana artistes. Kamath said Yakshagana is an integral part of coastal Karnataka’s culture and the Congress government must stop appointing people “who insult Hindu traditions.”
4. Proposed Toll on Kadri Park Road
Kamath opposed the proposal to levy toll on Kadri Park Road from January, calling it an unnecessary burden on citizens already troubled by rising costs. He argued that Smart City roads were to be maintained by the city corporation, now under Congress rule.
5. Eviction of Street Vendors
He criticised the corporation for vacating street vendors near Kadri Park without providing alternative arrangements. He said the BJP administration had never troubled them, and the Congress-led corporation’s sudden eviction was an attack on the working class.
6. Jail Jammar Issue
Public protests and repeated appeals to ministers failed to resolve the long-pending Jail Jammar issue. Kamath said the High Court has now intervened and asked the State government to submit a report, adding that the government must finally wake up.
7. E-Khata Problems in MCC Limits
Kamath said citizens continue to face hardship obtaining e-khatas and accused the State government of irresponsibility for not fixing the issue despite repeated requests. He said even after the survey officials returned, the system remains non-functional due to lack of servers.
8. Poor Road Conditions and Garbage Issues
He claimed city roads are in terrible condition, causing accidents, while garbage problems are worsening across multiple areas including near Gandhinagar School and Maroli Bus Stand. Despite complaints, authorities under the Congress government were “turning a blind eye.”
9. Lack of Development Funds
Kamath alleged that after the Congress came to power, development works have stalled while price hikes and corruption continue unchecked. Funds due to Mangaluru City Corporation, including those under the Mahatma Gandhi Urban Development Scheme, have not been released. He said ministers announce crores during visits but nothing materialises, calling such announcements “empty promises and false assurances.”