Puttur: BJP challenges MLA Ashok Kumar Rai to prove bribery allegations against former MLA Matandoor

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, Sep 2, 2025: MLA Ashok Kumar Rai alleged that former MLA Sanjeeva Matandoor had collected bribes for sanctioning sites under the regularisation scheme.

Reacting to the allegation, BJP leaders strongly countered the charge. Puttur Rural Mandal president Dayananda Ujiremar challenged the MLA to prove his claim by producing the 47 people who allegedly paid ₹2 lakh each to the former legislator.

He said the BJP was ready to bring Matandoor and the members of the regularisation committee, while allowing the MLA himself to decide the place and time for the verification. “If he has dignity, let him swear before Mahalingeshwara Temple that no money was taken,” Rai had earlier said.

BJP leaders asserted that as a responsible opposition, they would continue to question the MLA. They further maintained that, except during the Covid period, Matandoor had sanctioned thousands of sites to people without any discrimination of caste or religion.

Ujiremar insisted that Rai must immediately accept the BJP’s challenge.