Layout Approval Granted to Former MLA Raghupathi Bhat After Protracted Protest
Udupi: Former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Raghupathi Bhat has concluded a protest initiated on Monday, securing the approval of a layout plan from the Udupi Urban Development Authority. The protest stemmed from allegations that the Authority had unduly delayed the approval of the aforementioned plan for a period of two years.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Commissioner of the Udupi Urban Development Authority, following consultation with legal experts, visited the protest site to formally deliver the approval letter to Mr. Bhat.
Addressing members of the media, Mr. Bhat acknowledged the temporary layout approval granted by the Authority. However, he expressed dismay that a permission typically processed within a three-month timeframe had been subject to a two-year delay. “I am gratified to have received justice following the demonstration,” Mr. Bhat stated. “The approval was granted as a result of my adherence to legal protocols. I did not leverage undue influence, but rather pursued resolution through peaceful protest.”
Mr. Bhat further commented, “The Authority’s approval was contingent upon legal counsel. While some have questioned the legality of my actions, I offer the approval itself as my rejoinder,” an indirect reference to current MLA Yashpal Suvarna.
He asserted, “Without the protest, this approval would likely have remained outstanding for another year. It is my hope that my business will no longer be obstructed. This one-and-a-half-day protest serves as an indictment of Udupi’s development processes.”
Mr. Bhat also raised concerns regarding pending Transferable Development Rights (TDR) related to the Ambagilu–Paramapalli road project. He emphasized that “Churches, mosques, temples, and individual landowners have ceded land for the road’s construction, yet the Urban Development Authority has failed to issue the corresponding TDR.”
“Citizens with valid title deeds are still awaiting necessary approvals,” he continued. “I will remain committed to advocating for these individuals. The Deputy Commissioner, the Urban Development Authority, and the City Municipality should have collaboratively processed the TDR.”
Mr. Bhat voiced further apprehension regarding the requirement of layout plans even for government-issued title deeds, characterizing the Urban Development Authority as “a center of mismanagement.”
Mr. Bhat has established a deadline of April 12th, after which he has threatened to resume his protest if the outstanding issues remain unresolved.
Concluding his statement, Mr. Bhat addressed criticism leveled against him by former supporters. “I have operated within the bounds of the law, a fact that should be recognized. It is not my intention to target any individual. I mentioned the MLA as the issue originated due to his involvement. Should my business operations remain unhindered, I will consider the matter closed. However, should I be subjected to personal attacks, I will continue to defend myself.”