Udupi: A senior delegation from the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) wrapped up a two-day tour of the coastal region on Tuesday, aimed at fostering communal harmony and promoting inclusive dialogue.
Led by former Legislative Council Chairman V R Sudarshan, the team visited key religious landmarks in Udupi, including the Sri Krishna Mutt, Jamia Masjid, and Mother of Sorrows Church. They also met with civil society leaders to discuss rising concerns over growing communal divisions in the area.
Addressing the media, Sudarshan pointed out that although Udupi is widely regarded as a hub of academic excellence and progressive thinking, a minority of individuals were actively contributing to social discord. He stressed that political rhetoric laced with hatred must come to an end. “True political diversity is essential—when one party dominates completely, it endangers the region’s development,” he added.
Joining the delegation, Rajya Sabha MP Dr Nasir Hussain expressed alarm over how communal violence could undermine Udupi’s economic stability. “This is a district known for its well-educated populace. Unrest doesn’t just harm people—it drives away potential investors,” he cautioned.
Dr Hussain also urged state authorities to take stringent action against illegal sand extraction operations and the drug trade, both of which are reportedly active along the coast. He assured the public that the Congress party would demand thorough probes into pending murder investigations in the region.