Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Nov 30: Expressing frustration over the lack of progress in the district, Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar criticized the recently held KDP (Karnataka Development Programme) meeting, calling it a missed opportunity to assess any real development. "The KDP meeting was supposed to check progress, but the reality is that development is at zero," he said.

Kumar voiced his dissatisfaction with the district’s ongoing issues, stating that the meeting, held after an 11-month gap, revealed the state government and district administration’s failure to address the district's challenges. "The meeting was held under very dire circumstances, with no clarity or interest shown by the state government or district administration regarding the district’s issues. All five MLAs highlighted the administration’s failures during this meeting," he added.

A major point of contention for Kumar was the lack of financial support from the state government over the last two years. "In 2023, the Chief Minister promised Rs 60 crore for rain damage and an additional special package of Rs 50 crores, but not a single rupee has been sanctioned. When questioned about this, the in-charge minister was helpless and had no answers," Kumar said.

The MLA also criticised the stagnant progress on key issues outlined in the meeting agenda. "In the agenda, contributions from various departments—such as Public Works, national highways, school connectivity, zilla panchayat statutory grants, and Chief Minister’s rural development schemes—are all at zero percent. This is truly a zero government. The district in-charge minister has failed to find solutions to any of these problems," he remarked.

Kumar expressed disappointment over the lack of engagement with elected representatives, stating, "They have never called all five MLAs together to discuss the district’s issues. As representatives of the people, we are deeply concerned about their welfare. Despite our efforts to ensure the meeting proceeded smoothly, I question the purpose of conducting a KDP meeting if no grants are passed. KDP should be about progress, but it has become meaningless without any development activities."

Further criticizing the political aspects of the meeting, Kumar remarked, "Instead of focusing on Udupi’s development, the in-charge minister seemed to have come for a ‘Congress check.’ The state government has been deaf and dumb to our appeals, leaving us with problems and no solutions."

Kumar also raised concerns about the government's treatment of Hindu spiritual leaders. "There is no protection for Hindu saints and spiritual leaders under this government. Anyone who speaks against the government’s stance faces legal action," he said.

Referring to the case filed against Chandrashekhar Swamiji, he added, "A small excerpt from Swamiji’s speech has been singled out to file a case against him. Meanwhile, commissions are labeling Naxal encounters as wrongful, and the government seems to shield those supporting Naxals. When Hindu activists make statements, they are subjected to suo motu cases, but when Naxals criticize encounters, the government appears to protect them."

Kumar also criticised the government’s stance on law enforcement, highlighting what he sees as a misuse of power. "Government-appointed commissions are escorted under police protection, and now even identifying urban Naxals has become a contentious issue. The government must abandon its biased stance and offer protection to Hindu saints and leaders," he concluded.

The press conference was attended by fellow MLAs Yashpal Suvarna, Gururaj Gantihole, Suresh Shetty Gurme, and Kiran Kumar Kodgi.