'Move to initiate industrial zone in Brahmavar'

Former MLA Raghupathy Bhat has alleged that the State government is conspiring to initiate industrial zone in the defunct Brahmavar sugar factory area by pledging 25 acres of land in the region to KIADB (Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board) in return to the soft loan of Rs 12 crore.

Speaking to the media persons here on Tuesday, the former MLA strongly opposed the pledging of Brahmavar sugar factory land adjacent to national highway to KIADB for Rs 12 crore that is assured by the government.

He said the KIADB Act is very complicated and once the land is pledged, it may not be possible to denotify the land. He alleged that the land costs more market value. If government is keen on guarantee for the amount released to pay the pending arrears to the farmers and labourers, let 25 acres of land be pledged with the government itself.

He said MLA Pramodh Madhawaraj should be responsible before making allegations against the former BJP government.

The f ormer MLA alleged that Madhawaraj is issuing irresponsible statements in his attempt to claim the credit for the development works initiated by BJP government. Retorting to the allegations made by the MLA, Bhat said that the former BJP government had released funds under Nagarotthana scheme.

The development works that are taken up and has received administrative and technical approval in the technical committee headed by Urban Development secretary. He defied that if MLA is not sure of the technical and administrative approval, let him take actions against the officials involved in the tender process.

He added that there is also no shortage of funds for the construction of Padukere-Malpe bridge as the previous government has earmarked sufficient funds.

As many as Rs 13 crore has been earmarked under Amrithamohatsava and two stages of Nagarotthana projects. The former MLA also opposed the land allocation for officers club in the Beedanagudde area, which is proposed to be the cricket ground. The project was taken up by former BJP government to provide a cricket stadium which is not available in the district, at the cost of Rs 6 crore in spacious four acres of land.

Bhat threatened that the BJP will take up rigorous protest in the days to come, if flyovers are not introduced in Karvali-Abmalpadi junction and in Brahmavar. It might cost additional Rs 2 crore which is not a burden to the Centre. The NH widening process is unscientific.

BJP is organizing a “Padayatra” from Padubidri to Byndoor to protest against the failures of UPA and Congress led State government from January 2 to 5. The Padayatra will reach Udupi on January 3, wherein former CM Jagadish Shettar will address a huge public rally, he added.