Mangaluru: Alleging that the Congress is indulging in politics over development works, Mangaluru MLA Vedavyas Kamath said that funds for two key projects within the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits were sanctioned during the BJP administration, but attempts are being made to mislead the public by claiming they were approved during the Congress tenure.
Addressing a press conference at the Atal Seva Kendra in the city on Tuesday, Kamath accused District In-charge Minister and MLC Ivan D’Souza of politicising development issues and spreading misinformation about project approvals.
Dispute over pipeline replacement project
Kamath said that during the BJP-led administration of the corporation, administrative approval had been granted for ₹3.42 crore to replace the pumping pipeline connecting the Kodialguthu wet well to the Kudroli wet well, covering the stretch from Kodialguthu to Hallmark Apartments.
He alleged that Ivan D’Souza is now claiming credit for sanctioning the project and has even invited the District In-charge Minister for a site inspection. Questioning the move, Kamath asked what the necessity was for such an inspection when administrative approval had already been granted earlier.
“The project was cleared during the BJP administration of the corporation. There is no need to mislead the public by claiming fresh sanction under the Congress government,” he said.
Ballalbagh bridge funds diverted, alleges Kamath
The MLA further stated that ₹2 crore had been earmarked for the development of the Ballalbagh bridge on M.G. Road within the MCC limits, and that this project too had received approval during the BJP regime.
However, he alleged that the District In-charge Minister later decided that a bridge was not required at the location and diverted the funds to complete the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex at Padil.
Kamath criticised the move, stating that development priorities within the city should not be altered without proper consultation. He claimed that such decisions undermine the efforts taken earlier to secure funds for essential infrastructure works.
“Guest District In-charge Minister”
Taking a dig at Ivan D’Souza, Kamath said the Minister does not have time to convene meetings with MLAs of the district to discuss public grievances and development matters, but makes himself available for Congress political programmes.
“He has become a guest District In-charge Minister here,” Kamath remarked sarcastically, accusing him of neglecting administrative responsibilities in favour of party activities.
The MLA also alleged that despite there being no Public Works Department (PWD) roads within the Mangaluru city limits, funds were released due to his efforts. He said that Minister Satish Jarkiholi had released pending grants following his representations.
According to Kamath, apart from projects approved by the previous BJP government, the present Congress government has not sanctioned funds for any new works in the city.
Political sparring over development
The exchange reflects ongoing political tensions between the BJP and Congress in Dakshina Kannada district, particularly over credit for development projects. With local body administration and state government under different political parties at various times, disputes over approvals and fund allocations have frequently surfaced.
Observers note that infrastructure projects such as water supply systems and bridges are critical to the growing city, and delays or politicisation could affect public convenience. However, official records and administrative files will ultimately determine the timeline of approvals and fund releases.
Leaders present
Former Mayors Premananda Shetty, Sudheer Shetty Kannur and Divakar Pandeshwar, former Deputy Mayor Shakila Kava, and BJP leaders Manohar Kadri, Mohan Poojary, Ashwith Kottari, Praveen Niddodi and Lallesh were present at the press conference.
As political exchanges continue, residents are likely to watch closely to see whether the projects in question proceed without further delay. Clear communication from authorities on project status and funding could help prevent confusion and ensure transparency in civic development.