Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Mar 23: Former MLA Raghupati Bhat staged a protest (dharna) in front of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) office, levelling serious allegations against sitting MLA Yashpal Suvarna and UDA commissioner Mahesh over a delay in granting single-layout approval.
Bhat alleged that the sitting MLA has deliberately created hurdles to his proposed resort project in Badanidiyoor village, claiming that officials have been harassing him for nearly two years. He accused MLA Yashpal Suvarna of backing the obstruction and turning the issue into a politically motivated dispute.
Launching an indefinite protest, Bhat said it was unfortunate that, despite being a three-time MLA, he was facing such a situation. He clarified that the agitation was a personal fight for his legally valid project and demanded that authorities either grant approval or issue a written rejection. The resort is planned in Badanidiyoor village, and despite court directions and approvals from higher authorities, he has not received single-layout approval.
Bhat lashed out at UDA commissioner Mahesh, calling him a ‘collection master’ and accusing him of harassing people for money. He questioned why approval is being denied despite the project being legally valid.
Speaking during the protest, Bhat maintained that his project is fully legal and insisted that he had not used political influence or approached ministers. He added, “Protesting is my right, and obtaining single-layout approval is also my right. If someone like me faces this situation, imagine the plight of common people.”
Bhat further stated that he has been pursuing the approval for 24 months and had already secured necessary permissions, including a zone change and clearances from higher authorities such as the additional chief secretary. He also pointed out that the town planning authorities in Bengaluru had issued directions twice in his favour. He claimed that the MLA could not tolerate his popularity and was targeting him as a political rival. He said he had already approached the Lokayukta over the denial of approval.
Bhat also accused a local coastal youth group of acting under the MLA’s influence and alleged that soil was dumped in front of his land to develop an unauthorized park. He claimed that while others were allegedly occupying government land, his legally compliant project was being intentionally blocked. “This is a bad mark on Udupi. My struggle for single-layout approval is unavoidable. If approval cannot be granted, authorities must provide a written rejection,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, commissioner Mahesh refuted all allegations, terming them baseless. He stated that the matter is under consideration and that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to the issue is pending. “We are seeking legal opinion, and a decision will be taken as per law. The application has not been pending for two full years and originated during the tenure of previous officials. Discussions are ongoing regarding the validity of earlier approvals,” he clarified.
Commissioner Mahesh also denied any pressure from MLA Yashpal Suvarna and rejected corruption allegations, stating that he has not engaged in any “collection.” He added that the issue would be placed before the authority in the next meeting for a final decision.
Urban Development Authority chairman Dinkar Heroor extended support to Bhat, alleging that the commissioner was not cooperating even with the authority. He added that Bhat had applied for a single plot (layout approval). The issue has been discussed in multiple meetings, and a committee formed under the assistant commissioner had recommended approval as per rules. “The majority of members supported granting permission. However, objections were raised by the MLA and a local youth group citing alleged irregularities,” he noted.
Dinkar Heroor further stated that court directions and orders from the head office had also been received but were yet to be implemented. He accused the commissioner of failing to act despite clear instructions and said he had recommended action, including transfer, to higher authorities. “The authority has no objection to granting approval. It must be done as per rules,” he emphasized.