Congress responsible for delay of Pumpwell flyover: MLA Kamath

Mangaluru: “Congress is the reason behind the delay in flyover at Pumpwell,” said Mangaluru south MLA Vedavyas Kamath adding that the padayatra from Talapady to Thokkottu against incomplete Thokkotu and Pumpwell flyovers was a street play performed by the Congress.

Speaking to the media Mr Kamath said, When Oscar Fernandes was the union minister and J R Lobo was the MLA, it was recommended to change the plan of Pumpwell flyover which was further delayed by five years along with process of land acquisition was delayed too. Congress is pointing fingers at the central government and MP for the delay but Congress is solely responsible for it,” he alleged.

“Congress MLAs never attended any of the National Highway project meetings and showed no interest for development. Congress was silent for the last four years, now when election is inching close; it has begun street play with Padayathra,” he said.

“MP Nalin Kumar Kateel has done his best, by conducting meeting with Gadkari and also took concerned contractors into task. When UPA was in power, there was a fault in PPP model that created constraints in taking legal step. Congress has to mention any one successful NH development work in 10 years of UPA governance. The MP has done development works such as Jeppu Kudupady under pass, Padil under pass,” he explained.

“J R Lobo has been part of KUDCEMP scam. Even today we are facing its consequences. Pumpwell work has been delayed but there is no scam. It is unfortunate that Lobo who was part of KUDCEMP scam has taken the initiative for the Padayathra,” he said.

“When Yeddyurappa was the chief minister, Rs 100 crore was dedicated to our district in three phases. But the money is still not utilized for the development works. Congress claims that there is no single pothole where Congress minister lives. I must say that highest number of potholes can be seen at district in-charge minister’s constituency. If U T Khader cannot see the potholes in his constituency, I am ready to show them,” Kamath challenged.

“As election is inching closer, Pumpwell and Thokkottu has become an issue for MLC Ivan D’souza, Ramanath Rai, Mithun Rai to confirm their tickets for Loksabha elections as everyone is in the race,” he added.