Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jun 29: The Congress members of Perdoor gram panchayat have strongly opposed the targeting and public humiliation of the panchayat development officer (PDO), Sumana K, by BJP members during a recent Jana Spandana programme.

At a press meet held by Congress members on June 29 at Diana Restaurant, panchayat member Santhosh Kulal stated, "During the Jana Spandana programme, BJP MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty publicly insulted the Dalit woman PDO, accusing her of neglecting her duties. In Perdoor panchayat, the BJP gained power by bribing Congress members, and now they are acting against the PDO, who was appointed by them."

Kulal further explained the reason for the BJP's actions against the PDO, saying, "She reported to higher authorities about the illegal construction of a house by a BJP convener on deemed forest land, following public complaints. She was also publicly scolded over Pushpa G Amin's road issue."

Kulal clarified that, "All works in the panchayat are pending due to the code of conduct. Works can only proceed when approved by the majority in the general meeting. The last general meeting was held in February, and since then, no new works or 11b approvals have been pending. She opposed the illegal activities."

Another panchayat member, Dinesh Poojary, noted at the press meet that, "Panchayat member Thukaram Nayak illegally constructed a hotel on temple land without any permit. They pressured the PDO to grant permission, which she opposed. To cause her damage, they immediately posted it online. The wastewater from the hotel is contaminating the temple well."

The press meet highlighted that PDO Sumana K. has completely stopped bribery activities in the gram panchayat. It was also pointed out that Perdoor Panchayat lacks basic amenities such as a bus stop, and the Jal Jeevan Mission is still pending. During the summer, water was supplied by the gram panchayat at a cost of ?9 lakhs. The gram panchayat also lacks a regular accountant, secretary, tax collector, and permanent pump operator.

The members requested MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty to stop targeting and pressuring for the transfer of the PDO. They warned that if these actions continue, they will stage a fierce protest and demanded the appointment of regular panchayat staff.

Panchayat members Uday Kumar, Ragavendra, Sathish Nayak, Dayanand Shetty, and Shubha Gams were present at the press meet.