Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jun 16: Mankala Vaidya, state minister of fisheries and ports, inland transport, paid a visit to the city and held a meeting at the DC office on Friday, June 16.
During the meeting held at the Udupi District Congress Office, Mankala Vaidya expressed his sadness over the complete sweep of Congress in the MLA elections in Udupi. He acknowledged that the party leaders were responsible for the defeat, citing their failure to voice concerns and address issues. Vaidya expressed his disappointment over the defeat of Gopala Poojary, noting that the funds he had secured for Byndoor were not adequately utilized in the state. Looking ahead to the upcoming Zilla and Taluk Panchayat elections in four months and the MP election in ten months, he urged for a Congress victory. He pledged to work for the welfare of the people during his tenure and emphasized the importance of responsive leadership during elections. Vaidya also advised against choosing candidates who had not received at least 50% of the votes in their previous elections.
Highlighting the collective responsibility within the party, he stated that all defeated candidates were considered Congress MLAs and ministers. He shared his own experience of being defeated in a previous election but ultimately winning a seat and becoming a minister. Vaidya emphasized the need for adherence to party rules and regulations and expressed his determination to prevent a repetition of the district's complete loss in the next election.
During the event, Mankala Vaidya was felicitated by the Udupi District Congress. Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, Udupi District Congress President, welcomed the attendees. Congress leaders Gopal Poojary, Vinay Kumar Sorake, Prasad Kanchan, Dinesh Hegde, Uday Kumar Shetty, Geetha Wagle, president of Udupi Mahila Congress, Vishwas Amin, president of Fisheries Association, Ramesh Kanchan, president of Udupi Block Congress, and others were present.
Minister Mankala Vaidya conducts meeting at zilla panchayat addresses media
Mankala Vaidya, Minister of Fisheries and Ports, Inland Transport, addressed the media after meeting with officials from various departments to discuss precautionary measures for protecting the coastline from erosion. He assured that the state government and the Zilla Panchayat were fully committed to assisting the affected communities. Around 40 kilometers of the shoreline are at risk of erosion. The construction of a duckfoot in Maravante Nagabhana and Kaup Nadipatana is currently underway, requiring a total fund of Rs 58.5 crores. Vaidya mentioned the closure of the Karavar boat case, stating that the state government had provided Rs 6 lacs as compensation to the family, and he pledged to ensure that the insurance claim would be processed by the responsible company.
Recognizing the challenges of providing ambulance services in coastal areas, Vaidya mentioned the presence of coastal guards and navy personnel to safeguard the fishermen and others. Responding to the demand for a fourth port in Udupi, he promised to discuss the matter with the relevant department and initiate the construction if necessary. The minister also announced plans for the construction of washrooms and accommodations for fishermen at all ports within the next month. While 320 houses have already been handed over to fishermen, there are 350 more houses awaiting distribution, the timing of which is uncertain.
Highlighting the difference between the BJP government and the Congress government, Vaidya claimed that the BJP had neglected the welfare of the poor. He pledged that the Congress government would prioritize peace and avoid causing trouble for the people. He mentioned the discontinuation of government buses in Udupi by the BJP administration and expressed his intention to restart the buses that were operational in 2017-18. Vaidya requested patience from the public in this regard.
DC Kurma Rao was also present at the meeting.