Pics: Jeevan D'Costa
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Sep 16: MLAs from the coastal region have announced plans to protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence if the state government fails to release the promised funds for the region within the next ten days.
Addressing the media in a press meet on September 16, Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar stated, “The three districts of the coastal region have been completely neglected by the state government. The Congress government has not released a single rupee in aid for the coastal region. The district administration remains uncooperative, elected representatives are being targeted by the authorities, and there is clear discrimination in the allocation of funds.”
Highlighting the government's failure to deliver on its promises, Sunil Kumar said, “The state government has been obstructive in the development of the coastal region. During the last monsoon, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promised a KDP meeting, but what decisions from that meeting have been implemented? They had promised Rs 50 crore for flood relief, yet no funds have been allocated for road repairs from the 2023 rain damage, crop damage, or school building repairs. Development funds for Udupi district are still pending.”
Sunil Kumar also criticized the government’s handling of protests, saying, “A new trend has emerged where cases are filed against protestors, including Udupi MLAs who participated. No untoward incidents occurred during the protests. There is no room for democratic struggle in Udupi, and this is a threat to the system. Yashpal Suvarna and other activists should be reinstated. The government must act before unnecessary disasters unfold.”
He further called on the ministers responsible for the three coastal districts to heed the MLAs' concerns, saying, “Congress workers are being prioritized over elected representatives, which is a sign of danger to democracy. The government and police are making one-sided decisions, and we will raise this with higher authorities. The government must act before MLAs take to the streets to ensure justice for the coastal region.”
Sunil Kumar warned that if the state government does not act swiftly, MLAs from all three coastal districts are preparing to protest. He said, “The MLAs demand immediate intervention and funding for essential repairs and aid. If there is no response within the next ten days, we will escalate our protests to demonstrations outside officials' residences and in two districts.”
He also condemned recent government decisions to raise prices on various commodities and plans to withdraw Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards, affecting 11,000 ration card holders in Udupi district, arguing that these actions are undermining citizens' rights and contradicting government guarantees.
Speaking on communal tensions, Sunil Kumar said, “Statements made have enraged Hindu youth. Muslim leaders must control their youths, or they may face restrictions on holding processions in the future. Muslim leaders and youth must respect Hindus and coexist peacefully. The government must rise above vote-bank politics and address these internal security threats to deliver justice.”
MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary also voiced concerns about the misuse of funds reserved for backward castes, saying, “Funds meant for backward castes have been diverted to other guarantees. If the Chief Minister respects the allocation, these funds must be returned to the department.”
Yashpal Suvarna, MLA Udupi, echoed these sentiments, accusing the Siddaramaiah government of appeasing certain communities. “The Mandya incident has humiliated the entire nation. Do not test the patience of Hindus by reopening old cases. The in-charge minister of Udupi has been a guest, making only media statements instead of working for the welfare of the people.”
MLAs Kaup Gurme Suresh Shetty, Byndoor Gururaj Gantihole, and Kundapur Kiran Kumar Kodgi were also present at the press meet.