Udupi Kambala Land Transfer Sparks Political Confrontation Between BJP and Congress
In Udupi, a significant controversy has erupted over the proposed Kambala track development, pitting BJP MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty against former Congress MLA Vinay Kumar Sorake. The dispute centers on a foundation stone-laying ceremony held on February 28 for the Udupi Kambala project, with allegations of procedural violations and political interference.
Congress Alleges Illegal Ceremony on Unallocated Land
Former MLA Vinay Kumar Sorake of the Congress party has raised serious objections to the ceremony conducted by Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty. Sorake claims that the land designated for Kambala activities has specific conditions attached, including exclusive use for Kambala-related work. According to his statements to reporters on Monday, since the sports and youth empowerment department has not formally handed over the land to the Kambala Committee headed by Shetty, holding any events on the property violates these conditions.
The ceremony took place at Bairanje near Athrady for constructing Udupi Kambala tracks. Sorake highlighted that approximately ten families are currently engaged in farming on the identified land and are awaiting title deeds. He further asserted that no district-level official meeting regarding Udupi Kambala has been convened to date, suggesting the MLA organized the program on revenue land alongside party colleagues without proper authorization.
BJP MLA Shetty Refutes Charges and Warns of Protest
In a separate press conference, BJP MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty strongly refuted the allegations, accusing former minister Sorake of engaging in petty politics and obstructing development in the Kaup constituency. Shetty warned, "We will not tolerate this. If the politics of conflict continues, we will display black flags to the district minister."
Shetty detailed that six months prior, government officials conducted an inspection, marked boundaries, and allocated 6.3 acres of land to the department of youth empowerment. An apolitical and secular Kambala Committee was subsequently formed, and an invitation letter was sent to the district minister, who reportedly gave his approval. Shetty accused Sorake of pressuring the minister at the last moment to halt the Kambala project, alleging this demonstrates ministerial indifference towards the coastal region and a lack of funding.
Political Support and Broader Implications
The controversy has drawn in other political figures, with Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar claiming that the Congress has a hidden agenda to prevent public activities and hinder district development. He stated, "We will not tolerate officials acting like puppets for defeated Congress candidates."
Notable attendees at the foundation ceremony included Udupi-Chikkamagalur MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary, along with MLAs Yashpal Suvarna and Kiran Kumar Kodgi, indicating significant BJP backing for the project. The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress in Karnataka, particularly concerning land use and development initiatives in coastal areas.
As the situation develops, both parties remain entrenched in their positions, with the potential for escalated protests if resolutions are not reached regarding the land transfer and Kambala project approvals.
