'Dakshina Kannada' MLAs to focus on law & order
Bantwal is known for its communal tension and last year, the constituency was under prohibitory orders for over 50 days.
Mangaluru: The new MLAs of Dakshina Kannada district who have entered the assembly for the first time, want to develop the district and ensure law and order in the region.
"A place can develop only when there is peace. We can think of development only after peace is ensured in the region. My priority would be to ensure peace and maintain law and order. Development would follow once this is achieved," Bantwal MLA U Rajesh Naik told Deccan Chronicle.
Bantwal is known for its communal tension and last year, the constituency was under prohibitory orders for over 50 days. The fight between the two communities at Kalladka, murder of Sharath Madivala at BC Road and Ashraf at Benjanapadavu had resulted in tension in the region. Rajesh Naik, a progressive farmer is entering the Assembly for the first time after defeating former Minister B Ramanath Rai. "I want to ensure that law and order is maintained without pressure from any side. Without unnecessary interference, police officials should be given complete responsibility," he added.
In the last few months, Naik is unable to devote his time to progressive farming. However he would like to give his time to it now. "I had taken the responsibility of ensuring a victory in Bantwal which I have completed successfully. Now I would like to give some time to farming and serve the people through this too," he added.
Mr Naik also wants to improve the drainage system in Bantwal. "All the drainage water in Bantwal is discharged into the Netravathi river which is the source of water for Mangaluru. This is really a matter of concern. Thus I want to ensure proper drainage facilities in Bantwal," he said.
Dr Y Bharath Shetty, also a first-time winner, has the same ideas in mind. "There is an air of fear in the region which needs to be cleared first," he says. Dr Bharath is the MLA from Mangalore City North where the murder of Deepak Rao and Ahmed Basheer in January had resulted in tension.
"My priority will be to ensure law and order and a feeling of security for all communities. Once this is done, it would be easy to usher in development. The police department too should be fair without being partial to anybody," he said.
Another first time MLA, Harish Poonja of Belthangady stressed on the need to help Endosulfan victims.
Belthangady is one of the taluks severely affected by Endosulfan and has the highest number of victims who are still waiting for proper support from the government. "I will work to ensure that they are provided proper help," Poonja said.
Moodabidri MLA Umanatha A Kotian said he would first discuss with seniors and experts and then take up the projects needed. Mangalore City South MLA D Vedavyasa Kamath said that he would ensure he fulfills the promises he made in his manifesto.