Political row erupts in Udupi over resort project delay

Udupi: A fresh political controversy has erupted in Udupi with a war of words between former MLA Raghupathi Bhat and sitting MLA Yashpal Suvarna over alleged obstruction to a private resort project.

Raghupathi Bhat has levelled serious allegations against the sitting legislator, claiming that his application for a single layout approval to construct a resort in Badanidiyoor village is being deliberately stalled. According to him, the proposal, submitted on March 20, 2024, has not received clearance even after nearly two years, despite norms mandating approval within three months.

Expressing strong dissatisfaction, Bhat alleged that government officials are not acting independently and are under pressure from the MLA. “The delay is not administrative but politically influenced,” he claimed, adding that repeated follow-ups have yielded no results.

He further pointed out that even after obtaining necessary clearances such as Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approval, zoning changes, and commercial conversion permissions, the process has been halted at the level of the Urban Development Authority.

Bhat also stated that the High Court had directed authorities to take action within 30 days, but the order has allegedly not been implemented. Calling it a clear case of injustice, he said the system has failed to uphold due process.

Announcing his next course of action, Bhat declared that he would launch an indefinite protest in front of the Urban Development Authority office starting Monday. He emphasised that the agitation is not politically motivated but a fight for his personal rights.

“This is not a political battle. It is a struggle for justice,” he said, adding that such instances of political vendetta were previously unheard of in Udupi. The allegations have triggered intense political debate in the district, with both leaders’ supporters engaging in sharp exchanges. However, Yashpal Suvarna has not yet publicly responded to the accusations.