Fri Sep 12 15:53:46 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

The Dakshina Kannada District Congress unit held a demonstration in Mangaluru protesting the poor condition of National Highway 66 between Baikampady and Nanthoor. They conducted a mock funeral procession, blaming the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for negligence and resulting deaths due to the highway’s disrepair. They accused the NHAI of failing to maintain the highway despite available funds and demanded compensation for the families of the victims. They also criticized local BJP representatives for inaction and focusing on communal division instead of development.

**News Article:**

**Mangaluru Congress Protests Deteriorating Highway, Blames NHAI for Negligence**

**MANGALURU, Sept. 12, 2025** – Members of the Dakshina Kannada District Congress unit staged a spirited protest in Mangaluru on Friday, highlighting the perilous condition of National Highway 66 between Baikampady and Nanthoor. The demonstration included a mock funeral procession, symbolizing the deaths allegedly caused by the highway’s neglected state.

Congress leaders vociferously criticized the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), accusing them of failing to maintain the highway despite the availability of funds. “It’s rubbish for the NHAI to claim they lack funds,” stated district Congress president K. Harish Kumar, adding that the organization should be maintaining the highway.

MLC Ivan D’Souza echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the central government had allocated sufficient funds but the NHAI’s inaction has led to tragic consequences. “The apathy has resulted in the deaths of innocent people,” he said.

The protestors marched from Nanthoor Junction to the NHAI’s Project Office, attempting to lay siege to the building before being stopped by police. An effigy was thrown into the office compound, representing the public’s frustration.

Congress leader Mithun Rai placed blame squarely on local representatives and the NHAI for the deaths caused by potholes and craters on the highway. He demanded ₹1 crore compensation for the families of victims and vowed continued protests until the highway is adequately restored.

B. Padmaraj Poojary, another Congress leader, criticized the BJP for prioritizing communal division over development and neglecting the plight of those affected by the dangerous highway conditions. He noted that local MLAs and MPs had failed to even visit and console the victim’s families.

The Congress party’s protest underscores growing public concern over the deteriorating infrastructure in the region and the perceived negligence of responsible authorities. The situation continues to develop and the public should be aware to stay updated of traffic conditions in the area.

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