Mangaluru: BJP's Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath has strongly criticised Dakshina Kannada district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, alleging that authorities have been negligent in preparing for the upcoming monsoon season. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Kamath claimed that he had held meetings with all relevant departments in his constituency but that Gundu Rao does not have time for such matters.
Jab at the minister
Taking a swipe at Gundu Rao, Kamath remarked that during the BJP regime, at least two meetings were held ahead of the monsoon. However, now, he said, “one would need binoculars to find Gundu Rao.”
Criticism of MCC
Kamath criticised the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) for not properly carrying out precautionary works such as dredging rajakaluves (stormwater drains) and appointing gangmen in every ward, despite repeated instructions. He alleged that the tender process for gangmen appointments had not even begun. Furthermore, he claimed that dredging was not being done properly, even though tender conditions require it to continue periodically until the end of the monsoon.
The MLA warned that in some places, even JCBs could not move properly, affecting dredging work and potentially causing artificial flooding during the rainy season. He urged MCC officials to act immediately.
Neglect of Dakshina Kannada
Kamath accused the Congress government of neglecting Dakshina Kannada. “No development works are being undertaken. If the district minister visits the district only once every two or three months, as a visiting minister or mainly for inaugurations, what will be the condition of Dakshina Kannada?” he questioned.
He added, “Our district minister seems completely unconcerned. He should have convened at least one meeting with MCC officials and local representatives. When the minister himself shows no urgency, the entire administration follows suit—and the people of Mangaluru suffer for it.”
High court circuit bench demand
Kamath welcomed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s support for establishing a high court circuit bench in Mangaluru. He said he had supported the bar association throughout its struggle and had raised the demand before the chief minister, Law Minister HK Patil, and in the assembly. He also opposed any proposal for a mobile bench in another district, insisting that the bench must be set up in Mangaluru. He praised the Mangaluru Bar Association for its patience and restraint.
BJP-era project
Kamath highlighted that the new Karnataka German Technical Training Institute building at Kadri Hills, built at a cost of Rs 20.9 crore, was a BJP-era project. He noted that two acres were allotted in 2019, Rs 15.2 crore sanctioned in 2021, revised to Rs 20.9 crore in 2022, and the foundation stone laid on December 16, 2022, by then minister Ashwath Narayan. Stating that there should be no politics in development, he urged the Congress government to provide all necessary equipment and basic facilities on priority to support students’ future.
Social security pensions delayed
Kamath also alleged that social security pensions, including old-age, widow, and retired employees’ pensions, had been delayed for three months statewide, causing hardship. He said that when people approach officials seeking their pending pensions, they are told that the government has not released the funds.
