Udupi Kambala Track Foundation Laid Amid Political Clash and Prohibitory Orders
In a tense development, the Udupi administration laid the foundation stone for the Kambala track construction at Bairanje on Saturday, operating under prohibitory orders to prevent potential clashes. The ceremony proceeded amid heightened police security, highlighting the escalating political friction between the BJP and Congress over the event's scheduling and permissions.
Political Dispute Over Event Date and Funding
The controversy centers on conflicting announcements regarding the Kambala event date. Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty stated that the Karnataka State Kambala Association had officially fixed April 25 for the event, with district minister Laxmi Hebbalkar and the administration duly informed about Saturday's foundation ceremony. However, former MLA Vinay Kumar Sorake declared on Friday that the event would instead be held on March 4, sparking confusion and accusations.
Shetty explained, "The minister, who initially agreed for the event to be held on Saturday, asked to postpone the programme. Since all preparations were complete, we had to conduct it today." He further revealed that the event requires a total budget of Rs 2 crore, with Rs 60 lakh already spent on levelling the 6.3-acre site. Shetty alleged that the government has yet to release the necessary funds, adding financial strain to the political discord.
Prohibitory Orders and Legal Action
To maintain order, Udupi DC Swaroopa TK imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, ensuring the ceremony occurred without incident under tight police supervision. Despite these measures, legal repercussions followed. Based on a complaint by Gururaj, tahsildar of Udupi, a case has been filed at the Manipal police station against 37 known individuals and other unknown persons for violating the DC's order and criminal trespass related to the event at Bairanje, near Athrady.
The case includes charges under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 329(3), 190 BNS, and 37 and 109 KP Act. Notable figures named in the case are MLAs Gurme Suresh Shetty, Yashpal Suvarna, V Sunil Kumar, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Gururaj Gantihole, Harish Poonja, Rajesh Naik, MLC Dr Dhananjay Sarji, MP Kota Shrinivasa Poojary, and Deviprasad Shetty Belapu, among others.
Accusations of Disparity and Political Slugfest
Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole emphasized that Shetty, as the incumbent MLA, holds the responsibility for organizing the event. Meanwhile, Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja accused the Congress government of showing disparity in developing coastal districts, stating, "Let chief minister Siddaramaiah, deputy CM DK Shivakumar and district minister Laxmi Hebbalkar release at least Rs 1 crore for Udupi Kambala."
In response, Karnataka State Kambala Association president Deviprasad Shetty Belapu dismissed talk of a political slugfest, asserting that the government had allotted the land for Udupi Kambala. He downplayed the tensions, focusing instead on the logistical and administrative aspects of the project.
The Udupi Kambala is scheduled for April 25, but the foundation laying ceremony has already set the stage for ongoing political and legal battles, reflecting deeper issues of funding and regional development priorities in Karnataka.
