Pic: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 15: Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader stated that chief minister Siddaramaiah recently announced significant funds for various projects in Dakshina Kannada during the state budget presentation.

"I have also proposed several projects for my constituency, including a Women’s PU College. A fully equipped residential college will be established in Ullal, which will later be upgraded to a degree college. Additionally, Rs 200 crore has been allocated for the eradication of sea erosion along the coastal belt," Khader said.

He further mentioned that several major infrastructure projects are in the pipeline, including the construction of two bridges across the Netravati River, hospital upgrades totalling Rs 650 crore (including Wenlock Hospital), the establishment of a medical college in Puttur, and the enhancement of the 100-bed Taluk Hospital. Other projects include a water metro, an international cruise terminal, a coastal berth, and the creation of 5 lac jobs. Plans also include plug-and-play facilities in Mangaluru under KEONICS, a residential PU College for minority girls in Ullal, Rs 3 crore for the development of the district stadium, support for Kambala sport, a drinking water project in Ullal, Rs 2 crore for the development of the Bharat Scouts and Guides International Training Centre, and Rs 62 crore for tackling arecanut disease and protecting arecanut farming.

When asked about the Wakf Amendment Bill, Khader responded, "If something goes against the constitution, it is wrong. Concerns have been raised, particularly by members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, calling it biased."

Addressing the recent arrests by the CCB, which involved the seizure of a revolver and other illegal activities in the Mangaluru constituency, Khader explained, "Since we share a border with Kerala, and Talapady is just one of many entry points, there are about 20 other internal routes from Kerala into the district. I have consistently advocated for the installation of check posts at all border entry points. The police need to take stricter action, and political representatives, including myself, should not pressure the police department. While the police have cracked down on culprits in possession of firearms, investigations should also extend to suppliers, middlemen, and additional arrests."

Regarding the provocative statements made by a BJP MLA about the Diganth case and remarks by Chakravarty Sulibele, Khader remarked, "When such premature statements were made, locals in Farangipete did not pay much attention. They stood by Diganth’s family, regardless of religion or caste. Our focus should be on uniting people for peace and harmony. When we take the first step toward unity, others will follow. Social media often amplifies such speeches, turning them into heroic statements. If we had ignored them, they would not have gained attention."