Mandya: The controversy over the demolition of an unauthorised autorickshaw stand in Maddur has triggered a political war of words between the ruling Congress and the BJP-JD(S) combine, with leaders trading allegations over development and the state’s financial position.Speaking at Kadaluru village on Thursday, Maddur MLA Kadaluru Uday defended the demolition of structures allegedly built on footpaths and roadsides without the required permission. He said Maddur municipality, police and KSRTC had opposed the construction as it was obstructing public movement.Uday said an alternative site will be provided for the autorickshaw stand, and urged people not to politicise the issue. Taking a dig at Union minister HD Kumaraswamy, he questioned his contribution to Maddur, and claimed that development works worth around Rs 2,000 crore had been facilitated in the constituency during his tenure.Meanwhile, BJP leaders staged a protest at Sanjay Circle in Mandya by displaying empty trunks and pots, alleging that the state govt had exhausted its financial resources. BJP district president Indresh and other leaders cited a recent finance department advisory restricting fresh announcements as evidence of financial constraints. Responding to the allegations, Uday rejected claims that the state treasury was bankrupt, and cited major infrastructure proposals, including the proposed tunnel road project, as evidence of continued development activity.He also criticised BJP and JD(S) MPs, including Kumaraswamy, alleging that they had failed to adequately raise Karnataka’s demand for a greater share of GST revenue from the Centre. Uday further attacked the BJP-JD(S) alliance, describing it as politically opportunistic, and dismissed Kumaraswamy’s repeated warnings about possessing damaging evidence against the govt as mere rhetoric.Union minister HD Kumaraswamy Wednesday held a video conference with Mandya deputy commissioner, KSRTC divisional controller Chandrashekhar and other officials over the stalled construction of an auto-rickshaw stand in Maddur. The construction work, which had commenced a few weeks back, was stopped by Maddur town municipal commissioner Radhika, who also seized the materials and equipment brought to the site. The civic authorities had raised objections over the construction being taken up on a pedestrian pathway without the required approvals.Kumaraswamy, who had earlier laid the foundation stone for the stand using CSR funds, questioned the officials over the continued delay despite discussions at the Mandya DISHA meeting held last month in Mandya. During Wednesday’s video conference, officials suggested alternative locations for the stand, but Kumaraswamy rejected the proposal, stating that auto drivers had specifically requested the stand at the present location.He reportedly questioned officials for yielding to pressure from the district minister and Maddur MLA Kadaluru Uday. He cautioned officials against allowing political considerations to influence development works and said elected positions were not permanent.
