MLA Lobo, MLC Ivan Responsible for Stay Order in Road Renaming – Bunt leaders
Udupi: Vishwa Bantara Yane Nadavara Jana Jagruthi Balaga alleged that Ivan D’Souza and J R Lobo are directly responsible for bringing a stay order for the renaming of the existing Light House Hill Road to Mulki Sundaram Shetty Road.
Addressing the media persons at a Press meet held at the club on July 6, Convener of Vishwa Bantara Yane Nadavara Jana Jagruti Balaga Belve Vasanth Shetty said, “It is a great insult to the Bunt community to cancel the date of the programme of renaming Mulki Sundaram Shetty Road which was fixed on July 2. Due to some politicians especially Ivan D’Souza and J R Lobo’s interference in this matter, the authorities of the Institution created differences between the students. The cancellation of the renaming the road to MSS Road has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Bunt community in the undivided district”.
Vasanth Shetty further said, “The role of Mulki Sundaram Shetty for the growth of all the communities in the undivided district is extraordinary. His role on human values and stand on communal harmony should be remembered. Earlier the state government had decided to rename the said road from Catholic club to Jyothi Circle to Mulki Sundaram Shetty Road and had sent a circular in the matter. But all of a sudden cancelling the renaming programme has hurt the sentiments of the Bunt community”.
Vasanth Shetty also said, “The district minister in charge, MCC and district administration had called a joint meeting in Mangaluru on July 8 to clear the issue. If the result of the meeting is not in favour to our demand the Bunt community will take further action in this regard. The MCC or State government should act immediately in renaming the road to Mulki Sundaram Shetty Road, if there is any delay, the Bunt community will stage protests against the government. The government and MCC should not give scope for any untoward incident in this matter”.
M Chandra Shekar Hegde, Aroor Thimmappa Shetty, Krishnaraj Shetty legal adviser and other members were present during the press meet.
Once again, congratulations to St Aloysius and its supporters for turning this into a religious controversy by repeatedly bringing up religion in every step. They could have taken legal route to challenge the decision. Instead, they chose to play religious card. Very unfortunate. This kind of controversy always helps political parties. Congress can further consolidate minority ‘vote bank’ using this incident while BJP can do the same for hindoo votes.
I am not sure that Mr Lobo or Mr D Souza are responsible. Even if they were, no one can question the right for stay and legal enquiry. We all know it as Light house hill road. The road in Mulki can be named after the banking icon. I don’t remember Mr Shetty’s contributions to the community except that he was responsible for growth of the bank. Has Vijaya Bank contributed to MCC to get this name for that road? What about iconic KMC there? Can we have the road renamed TMA Pai road by the way? I don’t think it matters. What about Lobo Prabhu road? At least that would make their family happy. May be after few years they will rename it as Mithun Rai road, the new youth icon in Mangalore. Jai renaming.
Agree with Drona.☺