Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)
Mangaluru, Jan 18: A fracas broke out between the ruling and the opposition members at the Ullal CMC meeting following an allegation by a councillor that the president of the standing committee had given a report to the DC that the standing committee was formed by an alliance between Congress and BJP.
It led to heated arguments between the members of both the parties and the president staged a walkout from the meeting without standing for the National Anthem.
The members alleged that the president had given wrong information to the DC. When a member Dinakar Ullal alleged that the standing committee was formed with seven Congress members and not in consultation with the BJP, his supporters demanded that the nomination of the president of the standing committee be declared null and void.
The president who misused her position should resign, demanded the members. President Chitrakala Chandrakanth and standing committee president Veena Shanti D’ Souza could not stand the commotion and went out before the National Anthem. Dinaker Ullal said that he would complain to the district administration seeking action.
"The drainage work being conducted for the last 15 years is not over. A sum of Rs 40 crore is now needed because of the delay. Three stay orders from the court are not vacated. The administration has not shown interest in it. Legal fees of Rs 8 lacs are being paid to the lawyer. Every house is made to pay Rs 25,000 for drainage connection. The council administration should cancel the project. A complaint in this connection is submitted to Lokayukta," said Dinaker Ullal, Jabbar Azeez and Ali.
Ruling party member Basil D’ Souza said that drinking water is not being supplied from Chembugudde, Kerebail and other parts. The engineer said that the funds received under 15th financé commission are not sufficient. Member Dinaker Ullal insisted on the suspension of the officer concerned who, he alleged, remained silent without informing the government.
Member Jabbar said that he has not seen the PWD officer during the meetings for the last three years.
Member Basil said that tax from commercial complexes and shops are not being collected. The tax, if collected, is sufficient for development works, he said.
"Land is being grabbed in the name of the party. Houses costing Rs 50-60 lacs are being constructed in the land of one acre 42 cents approved under survey No. 222 for sea erosion victims. The business is in progress under the leadership of the president of the Congress minority wing Alwyn Paneer. Party leaders are conducting brisk business saying that the case is in the court. Kumki land owners have brought about a stay but unfortunately the municipal council has not tried to get it vacated," alleged the councillors in the meeting.
The land belonging to the council is being grabbed by the leaders in the name of the party, they added.
"The drainage project will be implemented with modern technology. STP has been completed at Kodi and Kotepura. Repairs will be conducted after the sewage plant gets ready," said Urban Water Supply Board engineer Shobha. Council commissioner vidya Kale said that staff is not sufficient for collection of tax. Regarding grabbing of land, a complaint is lodged at the DC court, she said.
Council president Chitra Chandrakanth, standing committee president Veena Shanti D’ Souza were present. Vice president Ayub Manchila was absent.