Udupi: A political controversy has erupted in Udupi after Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a foundation stone-laying ceremony for the proposed Udupi Kambala track on February 28. Former Udupi MLA Vinay Kumar Sorake of the Congress has alleged that the land earmarked for the event had not yet been officially handed over by the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports to the Kambala Committee headed by Shetty.
While Sorake termed the ceremony premature and in violation of stipulated conditions, Shetty refuted the charges, accusing the Congress leader of indulging in petty politics and obstructing development in the constituency.
Allegations over land handover
Addressing reporters on Monday, Sorake claimed that the land reserved for Kambala activities came with specific conditions, including its exclusive use for Kambala-related purposes. He contended that since the land had not been formally transferred to the Kambala Committee, organising a public function there amounted to a violation of those conditions.
The foundation ceremony was held at Bairanje near Athrady for the construction of a permanent Kambala track in Udupi. Sorake alleged that the programme was conducted on revenue land without due administrative process.
He further stated that nearly 10 families were currently engaged in farming activities on the identified land and were awaiting issuance of title deeds. According to him, proceeding with development work without resolving their concerns would be unjust.
Sorake also claimed that no district-level official meeting had been convened so far to discuss the Udupi Kambala project, and questioned the manner in which the event was organised.
BJP hits back, warns of protest
In a separate press conference, Gurme Suresh Shetty dismissed Sorake’s allegations and accused him of attempting to stall developmental initiatives in the Kaup constituency.
Shetty said that about six months ago, government officials had conducted an inspection of the site, marked boundaries and allocated 6.3 acres of land to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports for the purpose of establishing a Kambala track.
He maintained that an apolitical and secular Kambala Committee had been constituted, and an invitation letter had been sent to the district minister, who had given his approval for the ceremony. Shetty alleged that at the last moment, Sorake exerted pressure on the minister to halt the event.
“This once again proves the indifference of certain ministers towards the coastal region and the lack of adequate funding for development projects here,” Shetty said.
He warned that if what he termed “politics of conflict” continued, the BJP would stage a black-flag protest against the district minister.
Other leaders join issue
Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar also criticised the Congress, alleging that it had a hidden agenda to prevent public activities and hinder the district’s development.
“We will not tolerate officials acting like puppets for defeated Congress candidates,” he said.
Udupi–Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary, along with MLAs Yashpal Suvarna and Kiran Kumar Kodgi, was present during the programme and expressed support for the Kambala project.
Cultural significance of Kambala
Kambala, a traditional buffalo race held in coastal Karnataka, holds deep cultural and social significance in the region. Over the years, organised Kambala events have attracted large crowds and gained wider recognition beyond the state.
The proposed Udupi Kambala track is expected to provide a dedicated venue for conducting races in a regulated and organised manner, boosting tourism and local participation.
However, the current political dispute has cast uncertainty over the immediate progress of the project, with both sides trading allegations over procedural lapses and political interference.
Conclusion
As the war of words intensifies between the BJP and Congress leaders, the future course of the Udupi Kambala project may depend on administrative clarity regarding land transfer and compliance with stipulated conditions. For now, the issue has added another chapter to the ongoing political rivalry in coastal Karnataka, with development and cultural pride at the centre of the debate.