Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Feb 13: "Former MLA from here, Raghupati Bhat, has claimed that his party, BJP, will win in four zilla panchayat constituencies within the local legislative assembly constituency. Is he ready to accept a challenge on this front and retire from politics if his party fails to perform as per his prediction?" he questioned.

He was speaking after releasing a booklet on grants brought during his period as MLA, sanctions, and various development works conducted in his area of operation, on Friday February 12 at a press conference held at the Congress office here.

About the reference made by Bhat to ten percent commission on grants Pramod had earlier spoken of, Madhwaraj said that BJP MLAs like Raghupati Bhat collect such commission. Stressing that there have been legislators collecting commission, he said he has never indulged in such malpractices.

The MLA stated that Raghupati Bhat's claim that five crore rupees was released for the construction of postgraduate centre in Uppor was false. He said that the proposed centre stands shifted to Belapu, and a GTTC training centre with an outlay of Rs 40 crore is being built at Uppoor. "Youngsters getting trained here are assured of jobs. This is an achievement of Congress government," he added. About his failure to upgrade Brahmavar into a municipality, he said Kaup could get recognition as municipality because of efforts put in by minister, Sorake. He said that he has accepted responsibility for turning Brahmavar into municipality and that this will happen shortly.

He said that the union government has not released any grant under CRF scheme. He asked Bhat to speak to MPs and get the grants released. He also asked Shobha Karandlaje to release booklet on the lines of his own about her achievements.

Municipal president, Yuvaraj P, district women Congress president, Veronica Carnelio, Janardhana Tonse and several other leaders of the party were present at the press conference.