Mangaluru: MLA Vedavyas Kamath accuses Congress of renaming BJP projects, misleading public

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 17, 2026: Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath lashed out at the Congress, accusing it of indulging in politics over development works and misleading the public by renaming projects initiated by the previous BJP government.

Addressing a press conference at the Atal Seva Kendra in the city, Kamath presented documents to counter what he termed as the “drama” surrounding government grants. He alleged that the ₹165 crore project being executed under the Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Vikas Yojana–2 was originally sanctioned by the previous BJP government.

“The ₹165 crore grant was announced during the BJP regime, and this is clearly documented in the budget copies. The present Congress government has merely added ‘2’ to the scheme’s name and is projecting it as its own achievement, thereby misleading the public. Apart from renaming, Congress has achieved nothing,” he said.

Responding to allegations by Congress leaders that foundation stones were laid without approval from the Finance Department, Kamath hit back, stating, “They should first go through the previous budget documents. Any announcement in the budget is made only after the Finance Department’s approval. These leaders lack even basic knowledge and continue to make baseless allegations.”

He further claimed that during the BJP’s tenure, more than 70 foundation stone-laying ceremonies were conducted in a single day, whereas the present Congress government has failed to initiate even one such programme. “They are now taking credit for projects that were stalled earlier and released only after continuous efforts. Even routine works like desilting of stormwater drains, funded by taxpayers’ money, are being projected as major achievements, which is  ridiculous,” he remarked.

Row Over Ambedkar Circle at Jyoti Circle

Kamath also criticised the Congress over the delay in constructing an Ambedkar Circle at Jyoti Circle. He alleged that while Congress leaders pay floral tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at party offices and pose for photographs, they have failed to implement the project on the ground.

“Congress leaders hold the Constitution in their hands while speaking, but it must be in their hearts, not just for show,” he said.

He pointed out that the foundation stone for the Ambedkar Circle at Jyoti Circle was laid during the tenure of former Mayor Sudhir under the BJP, but the Congress has not taken steps to execute the project so far.

Expressing strong displeasure, Kamath said the Congress lacks the commitment to carry forward development works despite making tall claims.