Bhatkal: Ananth Kumar Hegde, the firebrand Member of Parliament representing Uttara Kannada, known for his provocative remarks, is currently touring various locations in the district to build momentum for the upcoming parliamentary elections. 

His recent visit to Bhatkal took an unexpected turn when BJP workers, including Shrinivas Naik, Vasant Naik Jambur Math, and others from Hanuman Nagar, took Hegde to task during a party meeting at the circuit house. Ananth Kumar Hegde faced considerable dissatisfaction where members of his own party rises questions for his absent for four years.

They highlighted issues such as the 2022 floods that affected the entire city of Bhatkal, resulting in fatalities due to a rockslide in Muttali. Unresolved concerns related to the bypass, flyover on the National Highway, and persistent sewer problems were also raised. Criticism was directed at Hegde for not visiting the area over the past four years, only appearing now in the context of the upcoming elections. Calls were made for a new candidate to be considered, and Hegde was urged to suggest a suitable replacement.

Acknowledging the rising discontent among party workers, Ananth Kumar Hegde addressed their concerns by attributing his absence to health issues. He indicated that if there was a desire to contest the election, the party workers should identify and support a suitable candidate. It is worth noting that some workers, intending to submit a memorandum demanding a chance for a new candidate, were unable to do so due to the tense atmosphere and the lack of opportunity to speak during the meeting.

In a subsequent address to party workers, Ananth Kumar Hegde discussed infrastructure projects, stating that constructing a National Highway flyover in Bhatkal was not feasible. He mentioned ongoing efforts to construct an underpass in Muttali, emphasizing the necessity of a bypass road for Bhatkal, even though it was rejected by the local populace in the past. Hegde highlighted the increasing traffic on the highway, anticipating a surge with the completion of the port in Honnavar.

Addressing incomplete land acquisition work on the National Highway, Hegde explained that the delay in development projects was due to issues related to compensation demands, particularly concerning the construction of the airport in Ankola. He mentioned the need for a decision by the state government, and despite informing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he expressed uncertainty about a prompt resolution. Hegde humorously remarked that predicting when the state government would act on these matters was challenging.

Prominent figures present at the meeting included former MLA Sunil Naik, Bhatkal BJP Mandal President Subraya Devadiga, BJP District Secretary Chandra Esley, Govind Naik, Shivani Shanta Ram, Honnavar BJP Mandal President Raju Bhandari, Subhadra Devadiga, Bhatkal BJP Mahila Mandal President Kaveri Devadiga along with several other prominent figures, were also in attendance.