Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Mar 10: Suresh Shervegar, member of the renovation committee and former grama panchayat president, clarified that the Kaup MLA has not created any obstruction in the Perdoor temple issue, responding to remarks made by former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake regarding the temple renovation.
Addressing the media at a press conference held on March 10, Suresh Shervegar said that the Kaup MLA has not obtained any stay order in the temple matter. He explained that the stay order from the High Court was issued because the tenure of the temple renovation committee had ended.
Suresh Shervegar said Lalaji R Mendon was insulted during the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the welcome arch (Swagata Gopura). He alleged that Lalaji R Mendon was humiliated on stage in front of hundreds of people when the former MLA arrived at the venue. He said Sorake insulted Mendon by stating that he is a leader who has made no contribution.
Suresh Shervegar pointed out that Lalaji R Mendon has contributed crores of rupees towards the development of the Perdoor temple. The harsh words used against him have caused deep pain even today, he added.
Referring to Vinay Kumar Sorake’s remarks about the national highway diversion in Perdoor, Suresh Shervegar said that the temple administration had written twice to the National Highways authorities, suggesting how the road alignment should pass. The temple authorities had requested that the road should pass through the northern side of the temple, he explained.
Suresh Shervegar urged Vinay Kumar Sorake not to tarnish the image of the MLA and those involved in the temple renovation. He suggested that people from both sides should come to the temple, hold a meeting and decide the matter there. He also clarified that they had approached the court seeking an additional two years to complete the renovation and development work.
Appealing to Vinay Kumar Sorake, Suresh Shervegar said, “You are a former MLA and a public servant. Please do not stoop to a lower level. Do not bring politics into matters related to the temple. Let all of us come together and carry out the renovation work in a grand manner.”
Committee members were present during the press conference.