JD(S) leader accuses Cong of neglecting Hindus in coastal Karnataka; U T Khader hits back

coastaldigest.com news network

August 4, 2018

Mangaluru, Aug 5: Janata Dal (Secular) leader S L Bhoje Gowda has sparked row by accusing the Congress party of ignoring Hindus in coastal Karnataka.

Speaking to media persons in the city, the MLC said that his party, under the leadership of chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, will not lose the trust of Hindus by following the path of Congress.

According to Mr Gowda, the main reason behind Congress’ debacle in coastal districts of Karnataka in 2018 assembly polls is neglecting Hindus. U T Khader was the only Congress candidate to win in 13 assembly seats of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts whereas BJP won remaining 12 seats.

Mr Gowda urged the Congress to introspect on why the majority community members voted for BJP in large numbers this time though they had dumped the saffron party in 2013 Karnataka assembly polls.

Stating that polarization of Hindu votes resulted in BJP emerging as a single largest party in the state, he said that various developments occurred during the five years of Congress rule under the leadership of then chief minister Siddaramaiah are responsible for such polarization.

“Hence we will not commit such mistakes. The JD(S) leaders have been asked to give priority to Hindus along with minority communities,” he said.

U T Khader’s response

The unexpected remarks of JD(S) leader has evoked strong response from Congress leader and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister U T Khader, who advised Mr Gowda to be cautious while talking about the coalition partner.

Mr Khader, who holds urban development and housing portfolios in H D Kumaraswamy-led JD(S)-Congress coalition government, said that Mr Gowda’s “irresponsible statement” would harm his own party.

“The allegation made against Congress that it sidelined Hindus is baseless. Congress is the enemy of communalism. It treats all communities equally and all communities vote for Congress,” he said adding that he would discuss the issue with senior leaders of his party.

Comments

Boje Gowda's boring statement no one will bother as everyone knows how Congress worked the development of entire India irrespective of gender cast color and religion.

Muslims should rethink when voting this communal JDS.

After BJP and Congress, now JD(S) too is becoming a standard-bearer of Hindutva.

Apparent attempt by cunning family-led party to win a couple of seats in coastal Karnataka in future. But, it’s a futile bid. No future for JD(S) in DK, Udupi.

Bore Gowda has no other job. Who are those jobless idiots with him. There is no space for JDS in coastal karnatak.

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Mangaluru’s ₹1,200 crore fix: Massive sewage overhaul to end city’s drainage woes

News Network

December 19,2025

Mangaluru: In a decisive move to tackle the city’s deteriorating sanitation infrastructure, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has announced a massive ₹1,200 crore action plan to overhaul its underground drainage (UGD) network.

The initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV, aims to bridge "missing links" in the current system that have left residents grappling with overflowing sewage and environmental hazards.

The Breaking Point

The announcement follows a high-intensity phone-in session on Thursday, where the DC was flooded with grievances from frustrated citizens. Residents, including Savithri from Yekkur, described a harrowing reality: raw sewage from apartments leaking into stormwater drains, creating a "permanent stink" and turning residential zones into mosquito breeding grounds.

"We are facing immense difficulties due to the stench and the health risks. Local officials have remained silent until now," one resident reported during the session.

The Strategy: A Six-Year Vision

DC Darshan HV confirmed that the proposed plan is not a temporary patch but a comprehensive six-year roadmap designed to accommodate Mangaluru’s projected population growth. Key highlights of the plan include:

• Infrastructure Expansion: Laying additional pipelines to connect older neighborhoods to the main grid.

• STP Crackdown: Stricter enforcement of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) regulations. While new apartments are required to have functional STPs, many older buildings lack them entirely, and several newer units are reportedly non-functional.

• Budgetary Push: The plan has already been discussed with the district in-charge minister and the Secretary of the Urban Development Department. It is slated for formal presentation in the upcoming state budget.

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