Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Dec 30: BJP MLA Raghupathi Bhat has expressed anguish at the centre’s decision to implement a FASTag system in the district without completion of national highway work.

He stated that the opinions of MLAs or MPs were not sought before passing of the order.

"The works at Padubidri and Shastri Circle are still pending. The situation should not be the way as it was at Pumpwell toll, the Udupi MLA said.

"Local vehicles within a radius of five kilometres were exempted from payment of toll after protests and discussions. I strongly object to the collection of tolls from January 1. I do not know the view of the deputy commissioner who ordered collection of toll, he said.

"Local people should be given jobs at the toll centre. We do not oppose the employment of Hindi-speaking people, but I hope locals are given the priority," he added.

The toll should not be collected at any cost until the road works are over, stressed MLA Bhat.   

14 out of 19-gram panchayats in the Vidhan Sabha constituency will be ours: MLA Bhat

Speaking about the gram panchayat results, Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat said that the party will be victorious across 14 gram panchayat out of 19 in Udupi Vidhan Sabha constituency. He thanked the voters who provided their support to BJP.

The MLA was speaking after visiting the poll counting centre at Udupi. He said that BJP is in power in all the political layers. With this, the responsibilities of BJP elected representatives have also increased. “We will perform them successfully,” he assured.