Gowda calls upon state MPs to unite

Gowda calls upon state MPs to unite

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, June 04:  D. V. Sadananda Gowda, the MP of Udupi - Chikamagalur called upon all the MPs of Karnataka to protect the state’s interests at the center during “Jago Sansad Jago,” an interactive programme organized by the Udupi Consumers’ Forum. He warned of a general feeling that Karnataka MPs have little influence at the center. 

During a recent meeting held at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, the MPs of Karnataka decided to raise a united voice on issues related to language, land, water, and border. 

Speaking about railway projects, Mr. Gowda said that the central government and the state government have allocated Rs 40 crore each for the Kadur - Chikmagalur railway line in the railway budget. The government has also earmarked Rs 15 crore to upgrade the platform at the Subramanya railway station and also to establish a security hub there. Speaking about the necessities of creating a separate railway division for Mangalore, he said that Mangalore now comes under the Palghat railway division. He also informed that the Bangalore - Mangalore day train will be extended to Karwar and will become a daily. 

Gowda lauded the efforts of Minister of State for Railways K. H. Muniyappa for ensuring that the railway budget laid emphasis on state projects. 

In response to a query regarding the Naxal problems, Mr. Gowda said that he has requested Home Minister V. S. Acharya to take necessary steps to identify naxal-infested areas in the state. The union government plans to release Rs 200 - Rs 300 to develop naxal-infested regions. 

Regarding job opportunities for the youth of DK and Udupi districts, the minister said that implementation of development projects, which can generate jobs for the youth, in these regions is difficult because both districts have the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. 

He also said that the power generated at the coal-based thermal power plant of Udupi Power Corporation Ltd. (UPCL) must first provide power to Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (Mescom), adding that a delegation of MLAs and MLCs from DK and Udupi will meet CM B. S. Yeddyurappa regarding this demand. 

K. D. Aithal, the convener of the Udupi Consumers’ Forum; Shantharaj Aithal, the secretary; and Rabindra Nayak, the entrepreneur, were also present.