Heavy rains lash Udupi district; Normal life disrupted, roads submerged
Udupi: Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds lashed various parts of Udupi district since early Tuesday morning, throwing normal life out of gear. The downpour disrupted vehicular movement and severely affected daily activities in Udupi and Manipal.
On the Udupi–Manipal National Highway 169A, between INOX Manipal and Syndicate Circle, rainwater washed away the soil that had been filled along the roadside, creating a dangerously deep trench. The displaced mud and rocks flowed toward the Lakshmindranagar area, covering the road with slush and debris, which hindered vehicle movement. Traffic was diverted temporarily due to the condition of the road.
In Lakshmindranagar, muddy water overflowed from drains and entered nearby shops. Commercial establishments located on the lower floors of the Central Park complex near INOX were flooded with slush and debris, causing significant damage. Municipal workers rushed to the spot and carried out a clearance operation using JCB machines.
Several roads in Udupi city were also waterlogged, leading to traffic snarls. Water was seen flowing across stretches of the National Highway at Kadiyali and Kunjibettu. Devotees from other districts and states who had come to visit the Sri Krishna Math in Udupi faced considerable difficulties. Rainwater accumulation on National Highway 66 also led to major inconveniences for commuters.
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Dragging Gaurav's family, children into 'Pak link' allegation by Assam CM wrong politics: Priyanka
Guwahati (PTI): Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for attacking Gaurav Gogoi over alleged Pakistan links, asserting that dragging his family and children into it is "wrong politics".
After paying homage to Zubeen Garg at his cremation ground 'Zubeen Khetra' at Sonapur on the outskirts of Guwahati, Vadra said the singer was "above politics" and spread the message of love throughout his life.
"There are two types of leaders in politics -- one who does positive politics and the other who does polarisation. Gaurav Gogoi is doing the politics of love," she said when asked about Sarma's repeated attacks on the Assam Congress chief over alleged Pakistan links.
Vadra asserted that Gogoi is "a positive person, and wants to bring positivity in politics".
"That is why such attacks on him are taking place. People of Assam understand this. But the attacks on Gaurav and his family are the wrong politics. Nobody should attack the family and children (of a political leader)," Vadra said.
Instead of such politics, the Assam CM should "talk about the youth and women of the state, who are looking for jobs", the Wayanad MP said.
"You are seeing how much corruption is taking place. It is just a betrayal of the people of the state," she told reporters.
Talking about her visit to 'Zubeen Khetra' in the morning, Vadra said that she went to the cremation ground to pay her respect to the singer and not do any politics over it.
"Zubeen Garg was above politics. His cremation ground should be a sacred place and should not be used for politics," she added.
VIDEO | Guwahati: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) says, "When we contest elections and talk about leadership in politics, there are two kinds of leaders. One is a positive leader — someone with a positive mindset. Such leaders tell you what they want to do for… pic.twitter.com/52z4HwRitg
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 20, 2026
