Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao re-inaugurates development projects in Mangaluru, Criticizes protocol violation
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, Feb 16, 2025: Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao re-inaugurated a series of development projects in the Mangaladevi ward on Saturday, including a Primary Health Centre (PHC), a veterinary hospital, a municipal staff complex, a new bus terminal, and a park. The move followed criticism of protocol violations during an earlier inaugural ceremony conducted by opposition leaders.
The projects were initially inaugurated on February 9 by Mayor Manoj Kumar, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath, and corporator and former Mayor Premanand Shetty. However, Minister Gundu Rao directed the Chief Secretary to take action against officials who allegedly allowed the unauthorized event to proceed.
Speaking at the re-inauguration, the minister condemned the actions of the BJP leaders, calling the unofficial ceremony a "divisive political tactic." He stressed the importance of unity in governance, especially for projects funded by public money.
“It set a poor example when they conducted an opening ceremony without informing the district minister. Such actions foster discord. They should have at least shown the courtesy to inform me with a phone call,” he said. The minister further pointed out that political differences should remain confined to election campaigns and not spill over into government programs.
Referring to the recently held Invest Karnataka 2025 summit in Bengaluru, the minister praised the event’s unity, highlighting the participation of Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Pralhad Joshi, and Piyush Goyal alongside state leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. “The event saw no petty politics, serving as a model of collaboration,” he added.
Wenlock Hospital Development Plan
Minister Rao announced plans to develop a comprehensive master plan for the Wenlock District Hospital. A team of experts is expected to visit Mangaluru soon to assess the hospital’s needs and chart a detailed development blueprint.
He also shared that the Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyoti Yojana, currently operational in 90 taluks, will be expanded to all taluks across Karnataka.
Upgraded Facilities at Mangaladevi PHC
The PHC in Mangaladevi, previously a maternity hospital, will soon resume maternity services in its newly constructed building. Additionally, the government has permitted Father Muller Hospital to continue providing specialist services at the PHC.
Minister Rao’s remarks underscored the need for cooperation among political parties to ensure the success of development projects for the benefit of the public.