Bypass Virodhi Samithi to boycott election

In a protest against the state government’s decision to approve Bypass in Padudbri as part of four-laning of National Highway 66, the Padubidri Bypass Virodhi Samithi has decided to boycott the March 18 Udupi-Chikmagalur by election.

The samithi members have put up a banner in front of Gurudev Talkies beside Padubidri-Karkala Highway.

The residents of Padabettu SC Colony, Ramanagara, Deenstreets are opposing the proposed Bypass project. About 200 households have decided to boycott the election.

“As a MP D V Sadananda Gowda had opposed the proposal on Bypass in Padubidri.

However, he has given green signal for the proposed project after becoming Chief Minister.

In fact, even MLAs Lalaji Mendon and Raghupathy Bhat are also supporting the Bypass proposal,” said a local resident Naveen Bhat.

“We have submitted memorandum to the Centre and state government and elected representatives asking not to give green signal for the proposed Bypass project.

However, all our efforts went in vain,” he added.

“Instead of initiating action against the encroachers, the government has given nod for Bypass, thereby taking away our houses,” said Dalit colony resident Suresh.

Udupi district Dalit Sangharsha Samithi has warned that they will not allow the authorities to take away land belonging to Dalits for the proposed Bypass.

“If the Bypass proposal is implemented, then about 35 Dalit families will come to streets.

If the district administration and the state government fails to respond to our demand, then we will start a movement to protect our land.”