Pics: Jeevan D’Costa
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Aug 21: A large-scale protest was held in Kanchinadka under the leadership of former minister and KPCC campaign committee president Vinay Kumar Sorake, demanding the cancellation of a planned toll gate at Kanchinadka on the Karkala-Padubidri state highway.
The protest, organized by Congress party workers, called for the cancellation of the proposed toll gate and an end to the toll collection process on this road.
In his address, Vinay Kumar Sorake pointed out that the process of installing toll gates on the Padubidri-Karkala road began during the previous Yediyurappa government. After resistance from toll protesters in Belman, the Bommai government shifted the toll gate to Kanchinadka. Sorake emphasized that the current protest aims to prevent toll collection at this location, vowing that they will not allow toll collection in Kanchinadka under any circumstances.
He also accused certain factions of attempting to create a false narrative against the Congress party and the state government regarding the Kanchinadka toll issue. He asserted that the protest is essential to clear the party of any allegations and that they are fighting to ensure justice in line with the party's principles.
Sorake further stated that the establishment of the Kanchinadka toll gate is part of the BJP government's legacy, noting that similar efforts were made to start toll collection at Suratkal, Hejamady, and Sasthan. He expressed opposition to the installation of three toll gates within the same district, stating that the protest is being conducted for this reason. He added that a delegation, including ministers, will meet with the chief minister on Thursday to submit a memorandum on the issue.
Udupi district Congress president Ashok Kumar Kodavoor spoke in support of Sorake, stating that the former minister has consistently acted as a voice for the electorate's concerns, not merely for power. He assured that the party stands united in supporting the efforts to bring a logical conclusion to the toll protest.
The protest was attended by several Congress leaders, including Muniyal Uday Kumar Shetty, KPCC secretary Dr Deviprasad Shetty Belapu, KPCC coordinator Naveen Chandra J Shetty, party leaders Kishan Hegde Kolkebailu, Harish Kini, Kapu Divakar Shetty, Rolphy D’Costa, Shekhar Hejmady, Sharafuddin Sheikh, Deepak Kotian, Abdul Aziz, Shantalatha Shetty, Shivaji Suvarna, Karunakar Poojari, Gulam Muhammad, Bhujang Shetty, Waheed Sheikh, Ashok Salyan, Vinay Ballal, Deepak Kumar Yermal, Sunil Bangera, Ameer Muhammad, Rameez Hussain, Ramesh Kanchan, Naveen Shetty, along with various public representatives and prominent party members.