MLA alleges Congress Govt of not releasing a single paisa for Mangaluru’s development

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Dec 24, 2023: Mangaluru City South MLA, D. Vedavyasa Kamath, claimed on December 23 that seven months into the Congress government’s tenure in Karnataka, not a single paisa has been allocated for city development projects. The MLA asserted that the lack of fund disbursement has brought the progress of these initiatives to a halt.

Highlighting the actions of the previous government led by Basavaraj Bommai, Kamath stated that it had approved ₹175 crore, including ₹125 crore for the Mahatma Gandhi Nagara Vikasa Yojana and ₹20 crore for rain damage restoration projects. However, certain projects funded under these allocations have been stalled due to non-release of funds. Additionally, ₹200 crore was sanctioned for underground drainage and sewage-related projects, which have also seen no advancement.

The MLA criticized Urban Development Minister B.S. Suresh, who, during the inauguration of a new swimming pool at Yemme Kere, promised a ₹25 crore grant to Mangaluru City Corporation and an additional ₹50 crore for tourism promotion. Kamath emphasized that these promises have not materialized, and no Government Orders have been issued to fulfill them.

Kamath further expressed concerns about the state government’s lack of commitment to advancing the waterfront project under the smart city mission. He highlighted obstacles in the form of tenants who secured government land at a low rate during the previous Congress government’s tenure, and are now hindering the project’s progress through legal means.

Accusing the state government of targeting Hindutva activists in Dakshina Kannada, Kamath claimed that seven activists have received show cause notices for externment since the Congress assumed power. He urged the government to cease its "hate politics" against activists and called for an end to actions that test their patience.