State Government neglecting coastal development: MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta

BJP MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta has accused the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government of deliberately neglecting the coastal region’s development, claiming that the people of Karavali are being sidelined due to their pro-nationalist stance.

Addressing the media at the BJP office on Thursday, Chowta expressed his dissatisfaction with the government’s lack of attention to the region. “The state government appears indifferent towards the development of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. A mere visiting minister has been designated as in-charge, and ministers like the Home Minister pay fleeting visits without concrete action,” he said.

He criticized the Chief Minister’s recent visit, stating that expectations of a development review meeting were unmet. “There was no discussion or foundation stone laying for the projects announced in the state budget,” he added. However, Chowta acknowledged the inauguration of the DC office and a sports complex built under the Central Government’s Smart City initiative, expressing happiness over their completion.

Touching upon the sensitive Suhas Shetty murder case, the MP alleged that the state government was deliberately delaying handing over the probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in order to protect elements linked to banned organizations like the PFI and SDPI. “Instead of standing with the victims, the state government and its police department are shielding the accused. The statements of ministers and even the Speaker reflect this bias,” he charged.

He emphasized that Home Minister Amit Shah, during a recent national DGPs meeting, had clearly directed that any case with suspected terror or anti-national links should be handed over to the NIA. “Despite this, why is the state government hesitating in the Suhas Shetty case?” he questioned.

BJP leaders including Premananda Shetty, Yateesh Alva, and Nithin Kumar were also present at the press conference.