Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta is facing criticism from within his own party after BJP workers and local leaders accused him of responding insensitively to repeated fatal accidents on the Bannadka stretch of National Highway 169.
The controversy surfaced after social media posts by BJP Moolki-Moodbidri mandal vice-president Suraj Jain alleged that the MP behaved irresponsibly when party leaders approached him seeking urgent intervention in the road safety issue.
The allegations have triggered sharp reactions among local BJP workers and residents, exposing visible discontent within party ranks in Dakshina Kannada over the handling of public concerns related to the under-construction highway.
Rising accidents spark public concern
According to allegations made by Suraj Jain, nearly eight people have lost their lives in accidents on the under-construction highway connecting Mangaluru and Karkala during the past three years.
Residents and local activists have blamed the absence of service roads and what they described as “unscientific” highway works for a growing number of accidents along the Bannadka stretch. Locals claimed that nearly 20 accidents have occurred in the area, including four mishaps reported within the last three days.
One of the recent accidents allegedly claimed the life of a woman, further intensifying public anger and demands for immediate corrective measures. Commuters travelling daily through the stretch have repeatedly raised concerns regarding incomplete road works, inadequate safety barriers, poor lighting and dangerous diversions.
The issue has become a major point of discussion in the region as residents continue demanding safer infrastructure and proper traffic management until the highway project is fully completed.
Delegation meets MP over safety demands
A delegation led by Suraj Jain reportedly met MP Brijesh Chowta seeking urgent intervention to address the rising number of accidents. The delegation is said to have demanded immediate construction of service roads and implementation of temporary safety measures to prevent further loss of life.
However, allegations regarding the MP’s response during the meeting soon sparked outrage among party workers and local residents.
According to claims shared on social media, the MP questioned how the accidents could be directly blamed on the highway department or the ongoing construction works. He reportedly told the delegation that service roads could not be constructed until the completion of the project.
The MP was also alleged to have advised the delegation to approach those who had submitted petitions regarding the issue in 2023.
These remarks reportedly angered local BJP workers, who felt that the concerns of accident victims and residents were not being treated with the seriousness they deserved.
Alleged remarks trigger backlash
The controversy intensified further after allegations surfaced that the MP stated he was “not afraid of public protests” over the issue.
According to social media posts made by Suraj Jain, the MP also allegedly informed the delegation that he could not immediately visit the accident-prone stretch and would inspect the area whenever he happened to travel on that route.
The alleged comments drew widespread criticism online, with many social media users accusing the MP of displaying an indifferent attitude towards public safety concerns and the repeated fatalities reported from the highway stretch.
Several BJP workers and local supporters also publicly expressed disappointment, stating that elected representatives were expected to respond more sensitively to issues involving loss of human lives.
Political observers noted that internal criticism of a sitting BJP MP by party office-bearers is unusual in Dakshina Kannada, a district traditionally considered a stronghold of the party.
Highway project under scrutiny
The Bannadka stretch of National Highway 169 has witnessed repeated complaints from motorists and nearby residents ever since expansion and construction activities intensified.
Locals have frequently alleged that incomplete road works, lack of proper drainage, absence of service roads and unsafe diversions have increased the risk of accidents, especially during night-time and rainy conditions.
Residents have also demanded better coordination between contractors, highway authorities and local administration to ensure temporary safety arrangements until the project is completed.
The latest controversy has now placed additional pressure on both public representatives and highway authorities to address the growing concerns before more accidents occur on the stretch.
Internal dissatisfaction surfaces within BJP
The incident has also highlighted visible dissatisfaction within sections of the BJP’s local organisational structure in Dakshina Kannada. Party functionaries openly criticising their own MP on social media has drawn significant political attention in the district.
Observers believe the backlash reflects growing frustration among grassroots workers over infrastructure-related issues affecting daily commuters and residents in the coastal belt.
While there has been no official response yet from MP Brijesh Chowta regarding the allegations circulating on social media, the issue continues to generate strong public discussion across the district.