Udupi: Allegations at religious conversion center spark heated debate at CMC meeting

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, December 24: Allegations of conversion at the prayer hall near Hotel Diana, Yodukatte, sparked lively discussions during the general meeting of the Udupi City Council on December 24.

A member of the ruling party, Vijay Kodavoor, expressed concern, questioning the legality of the prayer hall’s activities. “In addition to education, programs are held here. Is this allowed by law? What permits did the city council give for this construction?” he asked.

People’s deputy Yashpal Suvarna spoke out, saying: “Provocative inscriptions were placed in the premises of this prayer hall. They must be removed immediately. No one will be allowed to turn a dwelling into a conversion center by illegally expanding it. It is illegal, and the unauthorized construction must be demolished immediately.”

The fiscal service clarified that permission was initially granted for the construction of a residential building with an area of ​​1,126 square meters, but inspections revealed that the area of ​​the building exceeds 4,000 square meters. “We have contacted the building owners with the documentation regarding the received permits,” the officer noted.

People’s deputy Suvarna demanded quick action, saying: “The records should be in the city council. No need to wait for the hosts. If the structure is unauthorized, take immediate legal action.”

Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Kanchan objected: “After obtaining building permission, owners often expand structures as per their wish. Demolition of the building would create unnecessary confusion. If conversions are happening, take action against it. There are many temples and community halls that have expanded beyond what is allowed. I can give a list of such cases. Will action be taken against them as well?”

The debate turned heated, with BJP members exchanging spats with Vijay Kodavoor, Girish Anchan and Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Kanchan.

Regarding the construction of the flyover at the Ambalpada junction, MLA Suvarna assured that the work will continue as planned. “The project started with proper informing of residents. If the funds had been released during the tenure of Oscar Fernandes, these problems would not have arisen. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Nitin Gadkari have prioritized upgrading the highway by providing future service roads from Kallianpur to Karavi and Kinnimulki to Korangrapadi,” he stated.

CMC members criticized the opposition’s proposal for a pillar-based flyover, which came after a tender was issued and construction started. They urged the opposition to avoid statements aimed at publicity.

Ramesh Kanchan also expressed concern over delays in road construction projects, stressing the need to maintain public confidence in contractors. “The Ambalpadi interchange project should not suffer the same fate. Although I support the overpass, the elevator should also be built so as not to divide the city,” he said.

Presided over by CMC Udupi President Prabhakara Pujari, the meeting was attended by CMC Commissioner Uday Shetty, Vice President Rajani Hebbar, officers, staff and council members.