Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Oct 28: Chief whip of Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza on Saturday, October 28 said that he along with the general public will block national highway 169, if repair works do not begin in a month.

Addressing media he said, “This highway which includes the Gurpur Bridge, was declared a national highway 20 years ago. Besides the change of name, nothing is changed. It is in pathetic condition. Lives have been lost and so many have been injured, but nothing is being done to repair the road. We held protests recently, but it was of no use as MP Nalin Kumar Kateel is really not bothered about the problems people are facing. What is the point in him being the MP?”

“I have enquired about this road several times at the DC’s office and with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) too, but they are playing the blame game. If the MP does not begin the work within a month from now, we will block the road as a sign of protest. The protest will involve, not only politicians, but also the public from the area,” he said.

“When questioned, the MP gives says that the land is not acquired and many such silly reasons. In reality, there is no plan for the development of national highway 169. The MP is giving fake promises on Padil and Nanthur highway too, but nothing in action. The central government has done nothing for Dakshina Kannada district. BJP is a complete failure in the district here,” he added.

Railway station

“MP Nalin said that he will make Mangaluru Central Railway Station a world-class station. Forget about developing it, he has not been able to even get Kannada-speaking employees at the ticket counter which is a very simple thing for an MP,” he said.

“Not even an inch of land has been acquired for development till date after Nalin became MP. The state government has provided and offered all help, but the central government is not bothered and present station remains the same,” he added.

K J George will not resign

“Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR against minister K J George in connection with the suicide of DYSP M K Ganapati. He was earlier given a clean chit in the case by the CID. Hence, he was reinstated in his position. He had resigned once after the allegation of his involvement in the case surfaced. Let the CBI inquire and bring out the truth. It is meaningless if he resigns again. He will not resign this time,” he concluded.