Pics: Deekshith D V

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, May 24: A heated argument broke out between, MCC corporator from BJP, Roopa D Bangera and district in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai and other Congress leaders over installation of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's bronze statue at Nehru Maidan marking his 125th birth anniversary.

The incident took place on Tuesday, May 24 at D C office in city in a meeting called to discuss the new bus stand and Nehru statue issues.

BJP corporator who opposed the installation of the seven feet bronze statue of Nehru in Nehru Maidan said, " Already there is a statue of Nehru at Pandeshwar circle in front of the corporation bank, there is Nehru statue inside the town hall as well. We will oppose this move of congress. Those statues which were already installed are not maintained properly. There is opposition from outside."

District in-charge minister Ramanath Rai getting into argument asked "Do you want Nathuram Godse's statue to be installed ? This is not council meeting. Nehru was the freedom fighter who was jailed for years. Even national leaders are not opposing. You have no respect for him. We know you have been sent to speak here. There is intolerance even for Nehru's statue."

In addition to this statement, MLA JR Lobo and corporator Shashidar said that this has been already approved in the council meeting unanimously. There were no opposition from the opposition party.

Corporator Roopa D Bangera and deputy mayor Sumithra Kariya walked out during the meeting proceedings. Congress leader PV Mohan also demanded for a name plate and arch for the Nehru's statue to mark 125th birth anniversary of Nehru.

MLA Lobo urged the MCC officials to finish the work immediately which will be inaugurated November 14. Prior to this, a meeting on the proposed bus terminal in 4.5 acres of land was held. MLA also asked MCC officials to go for global bidding demanding constructing agencies to come with concept and plan for a bus stand accommodating 160 buses and 50 light motor vehicles. He then urged the officials to ask Karnataka housing board to prepare a plan.