Udupi MLA criticizes Lakshmi Hebbalkar for reluctant visit and inadequate response to disaster

Udupi MLA criticizes Lakshmi Hebbalkar for reluctant visit and inadequate response to disaster

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, July 21, 2024: After the intense anger of the people of Udupi district, District In-charge Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar reluctantly visited Udupi to inspect the natural disaster damage along with officials. Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna expressed his dissatisfaction, saying it was like a casual stroll on the beach.

The local MLAs from all five constituencies in Udupi district are being ignored, and officials are conducting site inspections without informing them, solely because all the MLAs in the district are from the BJP, said Yashpal Suvarna.

The district in-charge minister has not taken any steps to hold meetings with local MLAs to discuss the district’s damages and provide appropriate relief.

Despite widespread property loss, coastal erosion, crop damage, and landslides in Kaup, Udupi, Kundapura, Byndoor, and Karkala constituencies, there has been severe neglect towards the district. MLAs Sunil Kumar, Suresh Shetty Gurme, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, and Gururaj Gantihole have already expressed their anger.

The promised funds of 5 crores for coastal erosion prevention and a special 10 crores for the alternate festival by the in-charge minister have yet to materialize.

In the last 14 months, the in-charge minister has held only one district progress review meeting. The press release states that if records of the grants received by the district during her tenure are provided, they are ready for an open debate. It also mentions that the people of Udupi have no expectations or trust left in the in-charge minister and the state government.