Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta welcomed the state cabinet’s decision to hold its first meeting in Mangaluru, and urged the govt to give priority to the district’s connectivity and infrastructure needs.
Referring to the change in the railway jurisdiction of the Mangaluru region, Chowta alleged that the chief minister had remained silent on the issue due to pressure from Congress leaders in Kerala.
It requires special attention, and a nodal officer should be appointed,” he said. He said the state govt should now support efforts to safeguard the region’s railway interests. Chowta said Dakshina Kannada had significant potential in connectivity, infrastructure, maritime development, tourism, technology, agriculture and culture. The MP said he had been in constant touch with the Union govt since taking office regarding highways, railways, institutions, administrative projects and basic infrastructure, but stressed that the state govt’s cooperation was essential. He said he would later pursue the inclusion of Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, after conducting a detailed study. He said the doubling of the Mangaluru-Bengaluru railway line was progressing, with the final location survey under way ahead of preparation of the detailed project report.
“This should not be treated like any other issue. Among other demands, Chowta sought recognition of Tulu as Karnataka’s second official language, and the renaming of Dakshina Kannada district as Mangaluru district. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, ahead of the meeting, Chowta said BJP MLAs, the MP and the Dakshina Kannada district BJP president had met chief minister DK Shivakumar and discussed key issues concerning the district.