Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, May 6: Uttar Pradesh rural development minister Mahendra Kumar Singh on Sunday May 6 released Karnataka BJP's election manifesto for Dakshina Kannada at BJP office here.

Addressing the gathering, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "This manifesto consists of development plans for the district which will reach the people of Dakshina Kannada. The manifesto was formed after holding discussions with the people, and taking suggestions from all sections of society in the eight constituencies of the district. The manifesto focuses on tourism, farming sector, sand policy, Tulu language, communal harmony, eradication of corruption etc.

"During BJP's tenure there was lot of rural development. Even the development of Pilikula was planned during BJP's tenure. When current BJP state president Yeddyurappa was the chief minister, crores of funds were released to the district but not utilized to the optimum level. At present, the central government has released Rs 16,000 crore for projects under various schemes, but there is not enough support from the state government to implement them," he said.

"There was a plan to extend the runway at Mangaluru International Airport, but even after four years, the state government could not aquire land for the project. Widening of the Kulshekar-Karkala road and construction of plastic park also have not been possible due to absence of support from the state government. There was delay in forming committee to implement the Smart City project," he said.

When asked about Yettinahole project to which PM Narendra Modi openly expressed support in his Tumakuru rally, Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "In Tumakuru Prime Minister Modi promised Netravati-Hemavati river-linking project but BJP's stand is clear on Yettinahole project. We will stop Yettinahole project, that is why we are fighting against it within the ambit of law."

Former MLC Monappa Bhandary, Brijesh Chowta and others were present.

Highlights of Manifesto

- Dakshina Kannada is known for its tourist spots. Upgrading tourism sector and making way for adventure sports in the district.
- Developing beaches like Tannirbavi, Panambur and Suratkal to attract tourists to the district.
- Promoting water sports in rivers like Netravati and Kumaradhara which are ecologically sensitive.
- Upgrading facilities at religious centers like Dharmasthala, Subramanya etc to attract more devotees.
- Formulating a sand policy, framing goverment price for the sand so that there will be no scope for contractors to make money.
- To open up sand depot so that customers can easily avail sand.
- To include Tulu language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
- To take up development of SEZ to create job opportunities for youths.
- Speedy acquiring of land for runway extension at Mangaluru International Airport.
- Upgrading Bejai bus stand.
- Stress on upgrading bus stands, construction of roads, and other basic amenities under Smart City project.
- Mangaluru-Karkala road widening.
- Construction of fire station wherever required such as Ullal, Moodbidiri and other taluks.