Statue of Late U Srinivas Mallya, former MP, Dakshina Kannada, beside NH-66 at Paduva in Mangaluru
Later, in Nov 2024, Congress leaders warned that a protest would have to be organised if NHAI removed the statue of U Srinivas Mallya without identifying a suitable alternative location to shift it.
Former District Congress Committee (DCC) president Harish Kumar said that US Mallya was instrumental in bringing many development projects to Dakshina Kannada, including Mangaluru airport, New Mangalore Port, erstwhile Karnataka Regional Engineering College (now NITK), Mangaluru Akashvani, Circuit House, Mangaluru–Bengaluru railway line, renovation of Wenlock District Hospital, and development of several bridges and roads. Locals said that the park surrounding the statue was well maintained until it was cleared by NHAI.
MP Capt Chowta said that he had already instructed the concerned authorities to develop the park. We are working on a plan,” he said. Deputy commissioner Darshan HV, who is also the administrator of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), said that the city corporation is planning to develop the park.
“I have already instructed officials to take necessary initiatives.