Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Jan 7: MLA of Mangaluru North constituency Mohiuddin Bava on Thursday January 7 alleged that BJP leaders in the district have been politicizing the opening of the Baikampady railway overbridge. 

It may be recalled that on December 23, Mohiuddin Bava had ‘inaugurated’ the 300-metre overbridge without notice and thus paved the way for traffic. The move was flayed by the opposition BJP as code of conduct for MLC polls was in force at the time.

Insisting that the 'inauguration' reported by the media was nothing but cutting of the rope that was tied to stop the movement of vehicles on the bridge, the MLA clarified that as an ambulance was stuck in the traffic jam caused due to the overbridge work, he cut the rope just to pave the way for the ambulance.

Lashing out at BJP leaders, he said, "This act is being criticized as 'violation' of the code of conduct but the code of conduct does not imply for essential services like drinking water and healthcare etc.

“BJP leaders want to halt the development works that have picked up pace in the constituency. The bridge was not opened just because of the some pending electrical work. It will be formally inaugurated in the coming days along with the MP (Nalin Kumar Kateel) and officials of the National Highways Authority of India,” he said.

On the toll gate operating in front of NIT-K, he said that he will approach the Supreme Court on this issue. "As the toll gate is right in front of the institution, it should be shifted. Even though there was local opposition to this, the local BJP leaders pressurized the NHAI officials through the union ministers to set up the toll plaza in front of NIT-K. Along with the locals, I will question this in the Supreme Court."

He also said that underground drainage and the sewage treatment plant for Suratkal region under KUDCEMP first phase will be inaugurated on Monday, January 11 by urban development minister along with many officials. Streetlights worth Rs 1.9 crore donated by NMPT on Kulur to Baikampady stretch will be inaugurated the same evening and foundation stone will be laid for various development works worth Rs 3 crore by the ministers in the constituency.