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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Rahul Gandhi to go on two-day Raebareli visit from May 19
Raebareli (UP) (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP from Raebareli Rahul Gandhi will arrive here on May 19 on a two-day visit, a Congress office-bearer said on Monday.
Congress district president of Raebareli Pankaj Tiwari said that on the first day, Gandhi will inaugurate a marriage hall at Thakurain Kheda in Bachhrawan. Subsequently, he will address a public meeting in Khiron. In Lalganj, he will participate in a 'mahila samvaad' programme.
He further said that on May 20, he will meet the public during a 'Janata Darshan' programme at the Bhuyemau Guest House. Following this, he will participate in the unveiling of a statue of Veera Pasi and attend a public meeting in Lodhwari.
He will then depart for Amethi.
In Amethi, Gandhi will hold meetings with party functionaries, workers and senior leaders at the party's district headquarters, Congress district unit chief Pradeep Singhal said on Sunday.
According to political observers, this meeting would form a part of the strategic preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, alongside an organisational review.
Discussions during the meeting are likely to focus on strengthening the party organisation down to the booth level, increasing participation of youth and women workers, and accelerating public outreach campaigns across villages.
According to sources, a large number of party workers -- from Gram Sabha to the district level -- have been invited to attend the meeting.
Gandhi is expected to interact directly with workers.
During the one-day visit, the Congress leader will also travel to Poore Ramdeen Pandit -- the native village of late Congress district president Yogendra Mishra -- to meet his family members.
Mishra, considered a close associate of the Gandhi family, passed away on March 1 following a prolonged illness.
Political activities in the district have intensified ahead of Gandhi's visit, and party workers have already started making arrangements for his reception.
Kishori Lal Sharma, the Congress MP from Amethi, is also holding regular meetings with local leaders and functionaries to review the preparations.
