Plans for integrated township near Mangaluru announced by Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao
Mangaluru: An integrated township is set to be developed near Mangaluru city, aimed at creating sustainable infrastructure and generating employment opportunities in the region. This announcement was made by the district in-charge minister during the district-level Independence Day program held at Nehru Maidan on Thursday, despite the rainy weather.
Addressing the gathering after hoisting the national flag, the minister also spoke about the district's preparedness for the ongoing monsoon season. He noted that the district has received 14% more rainfall than usual this year. Since June 2024, 665 houses have been damaged due to heavy rains, and compensation totaling Rs. 1.21 crore has been distributed to the affected families.
In addition to this, the minister provided updates on the healthcare infrastructure in the district. A new surgical block, comprising 12 modular operating rooms, has been constructed at District Wenlock Hospital at a cost of Rs. 53 crore. Ongoing projects at the hospital include the construction of a 35-bed Dialysis Centre, Geriatric Ward, and Cath Lab, along with a 50-bed critical care block. Moreover, 1,326 guest teachers have been appointed to fill vacant positions in government primary and high schools.
During his speech, the minister also highlighted various developmental and guarantee projects being undertaken in the district. He mentioned that 13 urban local bodies in Dakshina Kannada district have been sanctioned substantial funds for further development.
Earlier, the minister received a guard of honour from 16 teams, including the Police Band, Mobile Police, Excise Department, Home Guard, RSP Boys and Girls Team, Scouts and Guides, and Bharat Seva Dal teams. A vibrant procession was held by students and police teams.
Prominent attendees included Mayor Sudhir Shetty, MP Brijesh Chowta, MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, Legislative Council Member Ivan D'Souza, District Collector Mullai Mugilan, Deputy Collector Dr. Santhosh Kumar, Commissioner of Police Anupam Aggarwal, West Zone IGP Boralingaiah, and GPM CEO Dr. Anand.
The minister also expressed concern over recent events in Bangladesh, urging the central government to take measures to protect minority Hindus in the neighboring country. He stressed on the importance of protecting minorities worldwide, including in India, and called for peace and harmony among all human beings.
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BJP dreaming to win polls with money power: West Bengal BJP MLA after bypoll loss
Kolkata, Nov 23: As the ruling Trinamool Congress swept the by-elections in six assembly seats in West Bengal, Kurseong's party MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma attacked the state leadership, saying the party dreams of winning polls with money power and that it sidelines legislators and gives "unnecessary importance and responsibilities" to MPs.
The TMC retained five of the six seats it had previously won during the 2021 polls, while wresting the key Madarihat seat from the saffron camp in north Bengal’s Alipurduar district.
In a Facebook post, Sharma alleged, "The BJP runs a membership drive in West Bengal over the phone from a Kolkata office, while party leaders turn a blind eye to factionalism within the party. The party sidelines MLAs and gives unnecessary importance and responsibilities to MPs. It dreams of winning elections relying on money power. Despite having no shortage of political issues in the state, it centers its politics solely around religion."
"The BJP accuses opponents of corruption while carrying Adani and Ambani on its shoulders. It tries to undermine the rights of the indigenous population by luring Bangladeshi Hindus with promises of CAA. It halts MGNREGA funds and indulges in such tactics, hoping to win elections in the state," he alleged.
On the other hand, the BJP MLA lauded TMC saying, that the ruling party in the state, armed with 26 different "pro-poor schemes" such as Kanyashree Prakalpa, Gitanjali Housing Scheme, Krishak Bandhu Scheme, Nijo Griha Nijo Bhumi, Rupashree Prakalpa, Shishu Sathi Scheme, and Student Credit Card, quietly works at the grassroots level.
"Now, you decide who will win the elections. I have never seen a culture of self-criticism within the BJP; otherwise, this outcome wouldn't have occurred," he added.
Since the 2021 assembly elections, the TMC has won every by-election, except the Sagardighi bypoll in March 2023, which was won by a Congress candidate who later switched to the TMC.
With this victory, TMC's tally in the 294-member state assembly rose to 216, further consolidating its position. The BJP's tally, on the other hand, dropped to 69, from 77 in 2021.
