Bhatkal: A massive protest against the hike in electricity tariff is being planned in Bhatkal in the upcoming days. The protest will be organized by Bhatkal Nagrik Vedike, a coalition of Hindu, Muslim, and other communities, along with various organizations. The specific details of the protest, such as whether it will be a Bhatkal Bandh, a massive rally, or a memorandum to higher officials, will be decided by the Vedike soon.
These decisions were made during a meeting held at Hafizka Hall on Thursday, June 22. The meeting was organized by Bhatkal Citizen Forum and Bhatkal National Highway Horata Samiti, and it was attended by members from various organizations, including Majlis Islah wa Tanzeem, Bhatkal Merchants Association, and Auto Rickshaw Union.
During the meeting, it was agreed to establish a new committee called Bhatkal Nagrik Vedike to address and resolve public issues, including the hike in electricity tariff plan and the ongoing construction work of the National Highway four-lane, which remains incomplete.
An ad-hoc committee was formed within the Vedike, and Satish Kumar, a social activist, renowned journalist, and the president of Bhatkal Citizen Forum, was elected as the president of the Vedike. It was also decided that the committee would include members from Hindu, Muslim, and other social organizations.
Krishna Naik, the President of the Namdhari development sangha and the President of the Auto Rickshaw Union, expressed the need for united action on various issues, including the ongoing construction of the National Highway. He pointed out that toll gates have been established and tolls are being collected despite the work not being completed. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the increased electricity prices.
Inayatullah Shabandri, President of the Tanzeem, highlighted the blame game between Congress and BJP regarding the electricity tariff hike. However, he stressed that their main goal is to reduce the tariff and resolve this pressing issue for the people. He also emphasized the need to raise awareness about the highway-related problems.
Manjunath, Assistant Engineer at Hescom, was invited to the meeting to provide an explanation for the increase in electricity rates. He explained that it is normal for tariffs to increase every year in the month of April, but this time, due to the approaching elections, the increase was slightly delayed. He clarified that reducing the tariff is not within his authority but is the responsibility of the government.
Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the incomplete highway work in Bhatkal, causing issues such as water accumulation on the roads during rainy days due to the absence of drains. It was noted that tolls are still being collected despite the work being unfinished. The construction of a flyover at Shamsuddin circle was also identified as a necessity. The leaders emphasized that reminders had been issued multiple times regarding the problems related to the National Highway, but no action had been taken by the officials. It was decided that a delegation should approach the new District Incharge Minister, Mankal Vaidya, to bring these issues to his attention.
ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ದರ ಹೆಚ್ಚಳ; ನಾಗರಿಕ ಹಿತರಕ್ಷಣಾ ವೇದಿಕೆಯಿಂದ ಭಟ್ಕಳ ಬಂದ್ ಮಾಡಲು ಜನಾಭಿಪ್ರಾಯ ಸಂಗ್ರಹ
Various individuals, including Highway Horata Samiti President Rajesh Nayak, Citizens Forum President Satish Kumar, Retired Anjuman Principal AM Mulla, Ex-Vice President of Municipal Council Qaisar Mohtisham, Councilor of Jali Pattan Panchayat Misbahul Haque, and others, expressed their views during the meeting.
Also present at the meeting were Abdul Raqib MJ Nadvi, the General Secretary of the Tanzeem, M R Naik, a leader of the Namdhari community, Azizur Rahman Ruknuddin Nadvi, the President of Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation, Shridhar Shanbhag, the President of Bhatkal Taluka Merchants Association, Advocate Imran Lanka, Raghvendra Naik, KD Naik, Bhavani Shankar, and many other individuals.
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