Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)
Mangaluru, Apr 19: MLA Vedavyas Kamath criticized the Congress government and explained the development works done in Mangaluru during the 10 years of PM Modi's government.
Addressing the media at the BJP Office in Mangaluru on Friday, April 19, MLA Vedavyas Kamath stated, "Over the past 10 years, the nation has witnessed significant development, and in Mangaluru, numerous developmental projects have been completed. Some of these projects were entirely undertaken by the Central government, while others were executed with a 50% contribution from the state government.
"The ancient temples such as Mangaladevi, Kudupu, and Kadri have undergone significant transformations, evident in the visible changes. The drainage work at the Gokarnatheshwara temple is set to be completed ahead of schedule. Previously, Mangaluru had only one swimming pool, but since Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister, the number has doubled, with now three in the city. Furthermore, the riverfront project extending from Netravati to the Kulur bridge is nearing completion. Plans for the KPT flyover have been sanctioned, and Capt Brijesh Chowta is overseeing its completion. Additionally, the roads in Suratkal, Kulur, and Kuntikan have been upgraded.
"To enhance the Fisheries and Port infrastructure, extensive work has been undertaken, with 75% of the projects in Bengre already completed. Additionally, plans for a tour to Lakshadweep and the construction of the Sagarmala road were formulated, but unfortunately, the state government has not fulfilled its commitment to cover 50% of the expenses, a fact that the Congress state government fails to acknowledge. Notably, Kadri Park has undergone a complete transformation, while the Kankanady railway station has been completely revamped. At the Mangaluru Central railway station, new platforms have been added, including one for the Vande Bharat Express.
"The BJP party has spearheaded major developments in railway projects and electrification of railway tracks. There has been a growing demand from the public for the segregation of goods and passenger trains, despite the challenges posed by limited land availability due to extensive public acquisition. Additionally, popular initiatives such as the PM Swanidhi Yojana and PM Awas Yojana have significantly benefited small vendors, providing essential support. It's noteworthy that the central government supplies 5 kg of rice, a fact often overlooked by the state government. Contributions made by Nalin Kumar Kateel are widely known and have been instrumental in bringing nearly Rs 1 lac crore of investments during his tenure.
"People gathered in huge numbers when Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow in Mangaluru. Capt Brijesh Chowta and Narendra Modi are pivotal figures for the development of the district and the country," he said.
When the media inquired about road development being undertaken by the BJP party, contrasting with the Congress party's assertion that the BJP has not implemented any beneficial schemes, MLA Kamath responded, "The Congress party needs to educate themselves on certain matters. While MRPL, NMPT, and many other initiatives were initially introduced by the Congress, we have fully committed to their development. However, in the last 11 months, the Siddaramaiah government has not allocated a single rupee for Mangaluru or the Ullal constituency. The BJP party has successfully completed projects such as the Plastic Park and Coast Guard Training Center. It's important to note that the central government alone cannot drive all development; the state government must also play an active role. Moreover, the IT sector in Mangaluru remains relatively small, underscoring the need for both the state and central governments to collaborate in fostering growth."
Regarding a recent controversy, Kamath stated that Congress party workers attempted to obstruct BJP members from campaigning at a public location.
He said, "Yesterday, an incident occurred in Mangaluru where members of Yuva Morcha and other party workers were conducting an election campaign. At that time, some Congress party members approached them and initiated a confrontation. Upon arriving at the scene, I explained to the Congress party workers that this is a public place and since we had not entered the temple, we should be permitted to carry out our work peacefully.
"The Congress party claimed that campaigning was not allowed due to the presence of a nearby temple, despite our installations of lightings and cut-outs in a public space. If they can put up cut-outs in Hampankatta, why can't we conduct our campaign work there? The location where they placed the cut-out does not become their property; it remains public property. There is no necessity for the BJP party to enter a temple to seek votes. I challenge Congress leaders to provide evidence of us entering the temple premises through their CCTV cameras. If such evidence exists, action can be taken against us. However, they should not obstruct individuals carrying out their work in a public space. The Congress party has already acknowledged their impending defeat, as evidenced by videos of people telling Congress leaders that it is acceptable for them to conduct their campaign work in public areas. The Congress party is aware that the BJP will return to power, and they are attempting to sway public opinion. If there is any record of me entering the temple, it should be made public," he stated.
When the media inquired whether the Election Commission or any official had addressed this issue, Kamath responded, 'I was surprised when I received a letter from the Election Commission stating that the election campaigning was conducted in a public place. I will upload the letter on Facebook or other social media platforms. We are not intimidated by the Congress party; the media knows that I was the only person present at St. Gerosa School. Despite this, complaints were lodged against Dr. Bharath Shetty and Sharan Pumpwell. We will not be deterred by such tactics.”
Sathish Kumpala, Capt Brijesh chowta, Capt Ganesh Karnik, Nithin Kumar, Raj Gopal Pai and others were present.