Congress members protest at Pumpwell over delay in highway works

Mangaluru: Congress party members burnt effigy of MP Nalin Kumar Kateel here today.

The Congress party members protested against the delay in flyover work at Pumpwell. 

Addressing the protestors, former MLA J R Lobo said, “The flyover work has been delayed since eight years. But the work may get delayed even more. When a small development work is stopped in the city Nalin Kumar Kateel questions and blames MCC and the state government. Now this flyover is delayed by 8 years and he has become mute spectator. From last 10 years he is the MP and we want to know about his contribution to the district,” 

Nalin Kumar Kateel has not developed the district much. NHAI officials have not maintained the roads and filled the potholes. We do not need MP like Nalin who only gives assurance and does not keep his word.

“Nalin does not deserve to be the MP. Central government and the BJP have done nothing to the district. Former MP Oscar Fernandes launched the Shiradi Ghat project but later the work got delayed,” he said.

Youth Congress president Mithun Rai said, “We are not doing this protest for the sake of publicity, but to show our support to the people of Mangaluru. When the UPA government was in power, funds were released for the flyover project. The MP has taken 8 long years but no work is complete. Nalin is an illiterate MP who does not know basic Hindi or English. I do not know who named him as number 1 MP. I think he is a self-proclaimed MP,”

“Thokkottu flyover has also been delayed. Because of these two flyovers, commuters are facing difficulties. The MP should take responsibility for the lives lost due to accidents in this area. In coming days we will celebrate the 8th anniversary of iconic Pumpwell flyover and distribute cakes to the public. We do not need such MP, he should be sent to his village from New Delhi,” Mithun added.

Congress leaders Ivan D’souza, Harish Kumar, district Congress president and others were present.