Mon Dec 23 16:28:14 UTC 2024: **BJP Legislators Walk Out of Karnataka Development Meeting Over Funding Dispute**

MANGALURU, December 23, 2024 – A heated dispute over funding for development projects in Dakshina Kannada district led to a walkout by BJP legislators and an MP from a Karnataka Development Programme Review Committee meeting on Monday. The BJP representatives, including Captain Brijesh Chowta (MP), five MLAs, and MLC Kishore Kumar Puttur, accused the state government of neglecting the district, particularly in the aftermath of heavy rains that caused significant damage to roads and schools.

MLA Harish Poonja highlighted the lack of funds for pothole repairs, school building renovations, and the Coastal Development Authority. He also cited the stalled construction of an Ambedkar Bhavan. Other MLAs echoed these concerns, citing unmet needs for vented dam repairs and halted development projects initiated by the previous BJP government. They directly accused District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao of failing to secure necessary funds.

Despite Minister Rao’s attempts to counter these claims, citing the release of over ₹6,000 crore for infrastructure works, including ₹2,000 crore for rain relief, the BJP representatives remained unconvinced and walked out of the meeting following a heated exchange with Congress MLC Ivan D’Souza.

While the Minister reported progress on repairing six damaged bridges and provided updates on the allocation of zero-interest loans to farmers, the core issue of inadequate funding for Dakshina Kannada’s development projects remains unresolved. The meeting also included a report on the progress of health sub-centre construction in the district, with some sites still awaiting land acquisition.

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