Local bodies election by June this year: Siddaramaiah says in Ankola

Ankola: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said elections to gram panchayats, taluk panchayats and zilla panchayats will be held before the end of June, and the required procedures are already under way, including the division of wards.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Manjuguni-Gangavali bridge constructed by the Karnataka Road Development Corporation on Sunday.

The Chief Minister said the foundation stone for the bridge was laid in 2018, but the government that came to power later neglected the project for five years. “After our government returned to power, we resumed the work and are now inaugurating it,” he said.

He added that the original estimate of Rs 28 crore has now increased to Rs 35 crore. With the completion of the bridge, people will save around 18 kilometres in travel distance, he said, adding that the Congress government has always worked in the interest of the people.

Responding to a demand raised by Kumta MLA Dinakar Shetty, Siddaramaiah said it is not possible at present to upgrade Gokarna Gram Panchayat into a Town Panchayat. “After the elections are over, Gokarna Gram Panchayat will be upgraded,” he assured.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said certain regulations will be introduced to promote tourism along the 334-km coastal belt. Along with giving priority to tourism, employment opportunities will be created for local people. “Instead of going outside in search of jobs, locals should find employment here. Those going to Goa should also be encouraged to come here,” he said.

He added that MLA Satish Sail has been firmly pursuing development works needed for his constituency and described the present government as one that fulfils its promises.

MLA Satish Sail said the long-pending Manjuguni-Gangavali bridge has been completed during the tenure of the present government, bringing major benefits to the region. The reduced distance of 18 kilometres will help save fuel and reduce environmental pollution, he noted.

Referring to land acquired for a proposed airport at Alageri, he said land from Belekeri and Bhavikeri villages had been taken over, but compensation had been fixed under three different categories. After discussions with the Chief Minister, a uniform compensation was ensured for all, he said. He also stated that the land allocation for those building alternative houses has been increased from one and a half gunta to five gunta following intervention by the Chief Minister. He alleged that the previous government had not carried out development works.

District in-charge minister Mankal Vaidya, Haliyal MLA R.V. Deshpande, Sirsi-Siddapura MLA Bhimanna Naik, Kumta MLA Dinakar Shetty, former MLA Sharada Shetty, officials from various departments, party workers and thousands of people attended the programme.

On the occasion, leaders of the District Halakki Okkaliga Association, led by its president Hanumantha Bommagouda, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister. Responding to it, Siddaramaiah said the matter concerns the Central government. “We can only recommend. The BJP-led Central government had rejected it earlier. We will once again send a recommendation. You should strongly take it up with BJP MLA Dinakar Shetty,” he said.