Pics: Ramesh Pandith/Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Aug 1: Congress members burnt effigy of Member of Parliament (MP) Nalin Kumar Kateel during the protest over delay in flyover work at Pumpwell here on Wednesday August 1.
Former MLA J R Lobo said, "It has been 8 years since the Pumpwell over-bridge work was undertaken. I don't think this will complete in another 5 to 6 years. Why central government is delaying construction of this very small flyover? When a small development work is stopped in the city Nalin Kumar Kateel questions and blames MCC and the state government. Now this flyover is delayed by 8 years and he has become mute spectator. From last 10 years he is the MP and we want to know about his contribution to the district,"
“He has not done anything to the district. National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) officials have not maintained any of the roads as the roads are filled with potholes. We do not need MP like Nalin who only gives assurance. The conditions of NHAI roads are very critical and due to potholes several lives have been lost in accidents, be it at Pumpwell, Nanthoor or KPT. In Nanthoor there was a plan for flyover but the process has not at all started till now," he added.
"Nalin does not deserve to be the MP. Central government and the BJP have done nothing to the district. Former MP Oscar Fernandes launched the Shiradi Ghat project but later the work got delayed," he said. .
Youth Congress president Mithun Rai said, "We are not doing this protest for the sake of publicity, but to show our support to the people of Mangaluru. When the UPA government was in power, funds were released for the flyover project. The MP has taken 8 long years but no work is complete. Nalin is an illiterate MP who does not know basic Hindi or English. I do not know who named him as number 1 MP. I think he is a self-proclaimed MP,"
"Thokkottu flyover is done in unscientific way and the work has been delayed. Because of these two flyovers, commuters are facing difficulties. The MP should take responsibility for the lives lost due to accidents in this area. In coming days we will celebrate 8th anniversary of iconic Pumpwell flyover and distribute cakes to the public. We do not need such MP and he should be sent to his village from New Delhi,” Mithun added.
Congress leaders Ivan D'souza, Harish Kumar, district Congress president and others were present.