MLA Kamath Slams Congress Over Mangaluru Development Project Renaming
Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath has launched a sharp critique against the Congress government, accusing it of deliberately sowing confusion among the public regarding development works valued at an estimated Rs 165 crore in Mangaluru under the Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Vikas Yojana (MGNVY 2.0).
Allegations of Fund Blocking and Renaming Tactics
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Kamath detailed that during the tenure of the previous government, Rs 165 crore was allocated for MGNVY Phase 1 back in 2019. However, upon the Congress government assuming power, these funds were reportedly blocked for all municipal corporations, including Mangaluru.
"Now, by simply adding '2' to the project's name, they are misleading people by claiming the Congress government is providing funds for development," Kamath asserted. "It's the same project, the same funds, only the name has changed. This is what the Congress calls its achievement."
Questioning Government Motives and Transparency
The MLA posed pointed questions to the government, demanding clarity on why the original project was halted. "Why is the same project now given a different name? So, who is playing politics here? They should examine the previous government's budget documents. The Rs 165-crore project was clearly announced in the budget," he emphasized.
Kamath also addressed claims from Congress functionaries that they sanctioned Rs 50 crore to Congress MLAs and Rs 25 crore to BJP-JD(S) MLAs. "Can they provide records of even one development project initiated or tendered with that money? What's the big achievement in distributing funds that should be given to all 224 constituencies in the state? Any government must provide these funds. If they have given any special grant to our constituency, let them present it as their government's achievement to the people," he challenged.
Criticism of Local Congress and Call for Accountability
Further intensifying his attack, Kamath criticized local Congress functionaries for politicizing development issues. He called for greater transparency, urging the release of a white paper detailing funds allocated and works undertaken in the Mangaluru City South constituency and Dakshina Kannada district.
"A foundation stone ceremony for the proposed Ambedkar Circle was held in 2024, but the work has not been taken up yet," he noted, highlighting delays in project execution.
Upcoming Foundation Stone Ceremony
Amid these allegations, foundation stones for works under the second phase of MGNVY within the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits are scheduled to be laid on Saturday. The ceremony will be conducted by Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh and Dakshina Kannada District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, marking a key moment in the ongoing development discourse.
