Mangaluru: Minister for Health U T Khader is in the eye of storm for making statements in support of the controversial Yettinahole Project.
Since the Minister has reportedly also made statements against the people protesting for withdrawal of the project, Netravati Rakshna Samyukta Samiti (NRSS) has demanded an apology from Khader.

Addressing a news conference Samiti Convener M G Hegde questioned Khader as to why he is supporting the project despite knowing that the project is not suitable for the coastal district.

He said that Netravati river neither belongs to Khader, nor does it belong to the Samiti.

“When there is so much hue and cry over a public property that belongs to each and each person living in this region, we must discuss this issue publicly. With Dakshina Kannada witnessing worst ever drought, how is the government forcing Yettinahole project down our throat,” he questioned adding that Khader’s statement against those fighting against the project is unacceptable.

“The Minister must apologise,” said Hegde.

NRSS President Vijay Kumar Shetty said that, U T Khader is known as the No 1 Minister in Karnataka, but his perspectives on Yettinahole Project has let down the people of the region.

Commenting on the further steps of the Samiti he said that, next the Samiti members will meet the chiefs of all political parties- Dr Parameshwar, B S Yeddyurappa and H D Kumaraswamy and try to convince them to support the protest.

Vijay Kumar Shetty thanked all the people of Mangaluru for supporting Dakshina Kannada bundh.

Samiti Members Divakar Shetty, Purushottam, Yogesh Shetty Jeppu, nagaraj and others were present.