Udupi: In a strong show of dissent, BJP workers led by Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty staged a protest in front of the Katapady Grama Panchayat office, voicing opposition to what they called the “anti-people policies” of the Karnataka Congress government.
BJP leader Geetanjali Suvarna criticized the state administration, stating that complex new rules are burdening the poor, especially in rural areas. “People are struggling to get house registration under Form 9/11. Even genuine applications are being delayed or rejected. Not a single house is being sanctioned under the Ashraya scheme,” she alleged.
She also condemned the reduced compensation given to families whose homes were damaged during the monsoon, claiming the state government has cut back support during times of crisis. Suvarna further slammed the withdrawal of Sandhya Suraksha pension benefits, saying it has hurt the elderly and vulnerable sections.
“The government is giving butter to one eye and lime to the other,” she remarked sharply, accusing the Congress leadership of selectively favouring some while ignoring the needs of many.
The protest saw participation from BJP leaders Veena Shetty, Sandhya, and several BJP-backed gram, taluk, and zilla panchayat representatives.
This demonstration marks the latest in a series of political flashpoints between the BJP and the Congress government in Karnataka over welfare and administrative decisions.