Mangaluru, October 10: A press meet was called here by Former district in-charge minister and BJP leader J Krishna Palemar on Friday October 9th to clarify why his party did not participate in the recent protest led by Nagarika Samiti against the new toll plaza at Suratkal. Congress leaders had participated in the protest.
Palemar said, during the term of the previous UPA government, the process of all the toll gate installation on the National Highway from Suratkal to BC Road was completed in the centre. In that period, Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes was a powerful union minister. The previous Congress-led UPA government is responsible for the issue over the toll gate that is being built near NITK in Suratkal, he said.
He further said, Nagarika Samiti had filed a case in the court and later the petitioners did not attend the case and thus indirectly making it convenient for the toll gate contractors. The court directed the deputy commissioner to give opportunity for the collection of the toll. Hence we did not take part in the protest, he said.
Palemar said, our party condemns the erection of toll gate near NITK. But we respect the court verdict. Through our MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, we have discussed this issue with the NHAI officials and asked them to find solution to this problem. Through our MP, we have discussed with the contractors to provide pass to locals, local commercial vehicles for which they have agreed. People want a sincere organisation which can fight sincerely. Nagarika Samithi and the ministers cannot deceive the people of the region, he said.
BJP leaders had participated in the earlier protest held here against the toll gate installation and created awareness among the public’s. But, MLA Mohiuddin Bava has influenced the Nagarika Samiti to hide the mistakes of the previous UPA government and is misusing the deputy commissioner. The Congress leaders are acting as if they have bought a temporary stay on toll collection. As the protest became a congress stage, the BJP did not join with the Samithi, clarified Palemar.
In the press meet, MCC member Tilakraj, Former Mayor Sahnkar Bhat, BJP Yuva Morcha Secretary Vasanta Hosabettu, President of Suratkal Nagara Shakthikendra Mahesh Murty, and Ashok Krishnapura were present.
