Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Jan 9: The members of the BJP staged a protest against officials of the city municipality on Tuesday, January 9.

Sumitra Nayak, the former president of the city municipality, expressed frustration with the administrative officers, particularly the deputy commissioner (DC). She stated that the DC is not providing information without a meeting and emphasized the need for another meeting. Nayak voiced concerns about potential water tariff increases and urged precautionary measures for drinking water. She called for six health inspectors, highlighting that there were only two at the end of her tenure. Nayak also stressed the need for transparency in the transfer of civic workers and appealed for the deputation of a president from the city municipality. Despite submitting appeals to the DC, there has been no response.

MLA Yashpal Suvarna highlighted the deteriorating situation in the Udupi city municipality, formerly considered a model for the entire country. He accused the city municipality commissioner of acting as an agent of the Congress party. Suvarna expressed pride in the deputy commissioner but claimed that political pressures had led to her acting as an agent of the Congress. He criticized the lack of meetings in the past seven months and accused the district in-charge minister of limited involvement, only participating in Rajyotsava and Independence Day celebrations.

Suvarna further alleged that the district in-charge minister had demonstrated an anti-Hindu stance by not calling a meeting for Paryaya celebration. He claimed that grants were not released, and meetings were not held, suggesting an anti-Hindu bias in Laxmi Hebbalkar. Suvarna questioned the basis of the commissioner's appointment, suggesting a potential conflict of interest.

The MLA also raised concerns about the proliferation of illegal structures in the city, citing the Indrani mosque wall as an example where no action has been taken. He criticized the rebuilding of the Zara building, previously demolished for being illegal, and accused the commissioner of emotional blackmail. Suvarna alleged corruption within the municipality and accused an administrative officer deputed by the Congress of operating within the system.

Suvarna concluded by expressing readiness for a public discussion on alleged scams within the city municipality. He called on the district minister, municipality commissioner, and Congress leaders to bring records for scrutiny, specifying the date, time, and place for the discussion. Failure to do so, he warned, might lead to rejection by the people of Udupi.