Udupi: BJP Yuva Morcha workers staged a “go back” protest against district in-charge minister Laxmi R Hebbalkar, alleging that the Congress-led state government was neglecting the development of the district and failing to address important public issues.
The protest was organised by the district unit of BJP Yuva Morcha, with members accusing the state government of adopting a step-motherly attitude towards the district and denying justice to local residents.
Several workers gathered at the venue and raised slogans against the government while demanding immediate action on various development concerns.
Protesters raise development concerns
Addressing the gathering, BJP Yuva Morcha district president Prithviraj Shetty alleged that public transport services in the district had weakened after the implementation of the government’s guarantee schemes.
He claimed that when the JNNURM bus service was launched in the city in 2013, more than 40 buses had been operating. However, he alleged that nearly 50 per cent of the buses had now been reduced following the introduction of free travel schemes for women.
He also accused the government of neglecting infrastructure and public welfare projects in the district.
District hospital project questioned
Prithviraj Shetty further alleged that the government had failed to complete the construction work of the district hospital.
He claimed that delays in completing the hospital project could adversely affect poor patients who depend on government healthcare facilities for treatment.
The BJP leader also alleged that the government had not fulfilled assurances regarding allocation of funds for Udupi Paryaya.
Police intervene during protest
As minister Laxmi Hebbalkar arrived at the venue, protesters attempted to move onto the road while raising slogans against the government.
Police personnel who had been deployed in large numbers intervened and prevented the protesters from proceeding further.
The situation was subsequently brought under control and no untoward incidents were reported.
The protest reflected the continuing political differences between the ruling Congress government and the BJP over development issues and public welfare projects in the district.