Udupi: Former MLA Raghupathi Bhat has leveled serious allegations against Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, accusing him of blocking the implementation of a traffic signal project at Kalsanka Junction, a key traffic point in the city.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Bhat stated that a tender for installing traffic signals had been approved during his tenure, but Suvarna halted the work, allegedly scolding the contractor to stop the project.

"The closure of Kalsanka Junction for traffic control is unscientific and has caused significant inconvenience to the public. The project to install a traffic signal must be implemented immediately," Bhat demanded. He argued that a flyover solution proposed by some would negatively affect commercial activities on the Kalsanka-Manipal road, emphasizing the need for public consultation and thorough discussions before making a final decision.

Bhat outlined his earlier initiatives, which included proposing a 70-meter roundabout without signals at Kalsanka Junction and Bannanje Circle to alleviate congestion. He urged MPs to advocate for the inclusion of this proposal in the upcoming Union Budget.

The former MLA criticized current traffic management strategies, stating that road closures and divider installations are temporary fixes that only exacerbate public inconvenience. He insisted that installing traffic signals would be a more sustainable and immediate solution to traffic woes.

Additionally, Bhat urged the relocation of the existing jail from the old taluk office land earmarked for a new Udupi Municipal Corporation building. He requested the Deputy Commissioner to transfer the one-acre plot reserved for the deputy commissioners' office and residence to the municipal corporation at no cost to maximize space for public infrastructure development.

Former municipal council member Mahesh Thakur accompanied Bhat at the press conference.

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Mumbai, Mar 14 (PTI): Veteran actor-filmmaker Deb Mukherjee, father of director Ayan Mukerji, passed away due to prolonged illness on Friday morning at his residence in suburban Mumbai. He was 83.

“We are deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of Mr. Debu Mukherjee, an actor and driving force of the North Bombay Durga Puja. He left us this morning,” a statement issued by his representative said.

His last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Juhu in suburban Mumbai.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Mukherjee appeared in supporting roles in films like “Tu Hi Meri Zindagi”, “Abhinetri”, “Do Aankhen”, “Baton Baton Mein”, “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander”, “King Uncle”, and “Kaminey”. He also directed and produced the 1983 movie "Karate", starring Mithun Chakraborty, Kaajal Kiran, and Yogeeta Bali.

Mukherjee was part of the famous Samarth-Mukherjee family. He was the father-in-law of Ashutosh Gowariker and uncle of Bollywood actors Kajol and Rani Mukerji.

His mother, Satidevi, was the only sister of Ashok Kumar, Anup Kumar, and Kishore Kumar. His brothers were popular actor and filmmaker Joy Mukherjee and filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee, who married Bollywood actor Tanuja (mother of Kajol).

Mukherjee was married twice; his daughter Sunita from his first marriage is married to director Gowariker, and Ayan is his son from his second marriage.

Several family members and close friends, including Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Jaya Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, and others, paid their last respects.