Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DC)
Mangaluru, Apr 30: MLA J R Lobo has been always on the forefront of development in Mangaluru South constituency. He is now on the verge of constesting the Karnataka elections on Congress ticket for the second time.
In an exclusive interview to Chetan Kumar Shetty of Daijiworld 24x7,J R Lobo spoke candidly on several issues, and especially denied allegations that were levelled against him.
In the interview, he said that BJP and other candidates influenced by them had levelled baseless allegations against him in the last few days. "There is no truth in it. If they had documents to prove their allegations they could have approached the department concerned, or the Lokayukta or the government, or filed a complaint against me," he said, adding, "They do not have right information. I did not take it seriously in the beginning but I will now take action against them."
Clarifying on various allegations against him, Lobo said, "When I was KUDCEMP deputy project director in 2003, the government had directed the MCC to take up all the KUDCEMP projects. Every decision was supposed to be taken by the MCC. Three executive engineers were hired by MCC. This project of 1,000 crore except Mangaluru city, all other cities were under Kudsemp. Implementation, tender process and approval, checking validity, clearing bills, were handled by the MCC. KEDFC provides money for the same. While releasing funds we used to review the project as well. I was the director from 2003 to 2009 December. The central government itself honored us with KUDSEMP as India’s one of the best project. In 2009 I got transferred. What they are accusing me regarding drainage works happened between 2011 to 2013. In 2002, Rs 360 crore was granted for KUCEMP project. It happened when the BJP government was in power.
"I demand the government to take action against whoever is at fault. I am not the MLA from Suratkal," he said.
"Almost 9 years after it happened, they are leveling allegations against me now. If they had proof why did not they file a complaint with Lokayukta? There were 400 engineers and 60 to 70 contractors were under me. If they have guts let them talk to these employees under me and I challenge if anyone out of these employees prove that I am corrupt. I am ready to get punished if it is proved. They are giving statements without proof and I will drag them to court for these false allegations. I will file criminal case them and I will not keep quiet. Let them produce proof. If they are so concerned about society why did not they rake up this issue before elections? During last elections they made same allegations and after five years they have woke up once again to target me with these false allegations. I will cut their tails which grows only when elections are nearing," he said.
Regarding AMRUT acheme, he said, "In AMRUT scheme, there are allegations that fund has been released for the same project again. If a fund is released to the same project the matter goes up to accountant general and comes as a wasteful expenditure. It can also go up the parliament. AMRUT scheme is yet to be implemented.
"Roshan Baig might have expressed displeasure over works which were under way but you cannot blame anyone. BJP had its government, so why didn’t they take action? Why are they raking up the issue now? Tongue has no bones. They are blind despite having eyes. They do not want to know the truth. I am ready for a debate and let them produce documents. Even I will come with proof to prove them wrong. I am taking them to court because I have moral courage and legal courage.
"I have filed criminal case against the private news channel which defamed me with false allegations. Without veracity how could they do it?
"They do not work and do not allow others to work too. I challenge CPI or Sunil Kumar, can do what I did for my people? I will continue work for the needy in future too," he said, adding, "I have the support of the people of my constituency."
Watch full interview:
https://youtu.be/xDPRy9OxjN8