Pics by: Adithya Aithal

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Apr 8: The Udupi City National Highway Agitation Committee has set a firm deadline for the completion of the Indrali railway bridge construction by the end of May, warning that they will gherao MP Kota Srinivas Poojary's office if the work is not completed by then.

Amruth Shenoy, the convener of the committee, addressed a press conference, emphasizing the prolonged delay and irregularities in the construction of the bridge.

"We have successfully raised public awareness about the irregularities and delays in the Indrali bridge work. Even the MP has now shown interest in expediting the project, and the administration is closely monitoring the progress," he stated.

Shenoy clarified that while some critics had accused the committee of protesting only near the project's completion, no official deadline had been announced. He insisted on the committee’s deadline, based on the MP’s assurance, that the work should be completed by the end of May.
"When schools reopen in June, we want Indrali school students to walk into school without safety concerns. If the work isn’t completed by the end of May, we will gherao MP Kota Srinivas Poojary’s office and demand an apology and a detailed explanation from the concerned officials," Shenoy said.

In a symbolic protest, Shenoy shaved his head to express his dissatisfaction. "The BJP has accused us of politicizing the protest, but many who stood with us aren’t even Congress supporters. In fact, some have openly criticized Congress before. I challenge BJP district president Kishore Kumar if you have the courage, commit to shaving your head if the bridge work isn’t completed within two months. Stop this petty politics," Shenoy added.

Shenoy also raised concerns regarding the dangerous condition of the roads in Santhekatte and announced plans to submit a memorandum to the district administration.

"The MP should have already initiated a resolution meeting regarding the Parkala issue. Since that hasn't happened, we will take the lead," he asserted.

Block Congress president Ramesh Kanchan, who was also present at the press conference, criticized MP Kota Srinivas Poojary and Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna for neglecting vital infrastructure issues in Parkala, Malpe, Santhekatte, Kallianpur, and Ambalpady.

"I challenge all MPs and MLAs to protest against the Central Government for the eight-year delay in national highway projects. People have lost their lives due to substandard work. Instead of playing the blame game, take responsibility and act. Our protests will continue. The Malpe-Udupi Road is in a pathetic state. Complete your duties first before pointing fingers," Kanchan said.

The press conference was also attended by Keerthi Shetty Ambalpady (president), vice presidents Mahabal Kundar, Charles Ambler, Kushal Shetty, and conveners Anser Ahemmad, Abdul Hajij Udyavar, Meenakshi Madhava Bannaje, Idrees Hoode, Sukanya Poojary, and others.