Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 16: The district BJP staged a protest at Clock Tower here on Tuesday against the state government over the ongoing scarcity of red stone and sand, accusing it of failing to resolve the issue.

Speaking at the protest, MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said the state government had failed to provide a proper solution. “Dinesh Gundu Rao is only a namesake in-charge minister, while Speaker U T Khader is acting as the de facto authority responsible for the issue. Instead of creating a legal framework to regularize the matter, the government has been evasive. It appears the government is deliberately ignoring the problems of Dakshina Kannada district, perhaps because the people here are not in favor of the Congress. The government should consult elected representatives and find a resolution. Today’s protest is symbolic, but we plan larger protests in the future,” he said.

District BJP president Sathish Kumpala added, “We have brought this issue to the notice of the chief minister and officials. We even raised our voices in the assembly, yet no solution has been offered. Despite hearing our plea, the chief minister has not acted, and Speaker U T Khader has completely failed in his responsibilities.”

Ahead of the protest, Speaker U T Khader told reporters that the state cabinet had approved a new policy, and the chief minister had given his consent. “Of the 53 applications received for red stone businesses, 25 applicants have already been granted licenses and permits under the new framework. All elected representatives are aware of this development,” he said.