BJP Leader Accuses Congress Government of Neglecting Udupi's Infrastructure and Welfare
In a sharp critique of the ruling Congress administration, BJP district president Kuthyar Naveen Shetty has alleged that the government's maladministration has inflicted significant hardship on the people of Udupi. Shetty emphasized that the administration must urgently address public demands, particularly concerning basic infrastructure within the district.
Delayed District Hospital Construction Sparks Outrage
Shetty highlighted the stalled construction of the Udupi District Hospital building as a prime example of governmental failure. The construction project commenced in December 2021 and reached 90% completion three years ago, yet the government has shown no initiative to inaugurate the facility. "The govt should take necessary steps to complete the construction of the District Hospital building immediately," Shetty insisted.
He accused the government of lacking political will, noting that the hospital currently operates only as a taluk hospital with a mere 120 beds. This severe shortage has led to critical issues:
- Poor patients are experiencing distress due to the absence of ICU beds.
- Patients are compelled to travel to hospitals in Dakshina Kannada for critical care.
- Even in neighboring districts, ICU beds are often unavailable, forcing patients to be shuttled between Udupi and Mangaluru.
Despite numerous memorandums and protests, Shetty stated that the government has remained unresponsive. He issued a stern warning: the BJP will launch massive protests if the hospital is not opened by the end of April.
Social Security Scheme Changes Deemed Anti-Poor
Turning to welfare policies, Shetty condemned the government's recent adjustments to social security schemes. The new policy establishes an annual income ceiling of Rs 32,000 for beneficiaries, a move Shetty labeled as "an anti-poor decision."
He revealed that this restrictive ceiling will deprive nearly 50,000 people in Udupi district alone from accessing social security benefits. "The govt has taken an anti-poor decision by setting an annual income ceiling of Rs 32,000 to avail social security scheme benefits," Shetty asserted.
In response, he urged the government to raise the annual income ceiling to Rs 1 lakh, arguing that this adjustment is essential to support impoverished families who are currently being excluded from vital assistance.
Shetty's statements underscore growing political tensions in Udupi, with the BJP positioning itself as a vocal critic of the Congress government's handling of healthcare infrastructure and social welfare. The looming threat of protests adds pressure on the administration to act swiftly on these pressing issues.
