Mangaluru : Extending his support to the “voluntary Dakshina Kannada bandh” called by Netravathi Rakshana Samyutka Samithi on Thursday, Nalin Kumar Kateel, Member of Parliament, reiterated here on Monday that the government should convene a meeting of activists of Dakshina Kannada over Yettinahole or Netravathi diversion project.

Addressing protesters in front of the office of Deputy Commissioner, he asked people to support the bandh by remaining indoors, closing down shops and establishments and not to take their vehicles out on that day.

The MP said that the government should drop the project. A meeting should be convened to discuss the many issues involving the project.

J.R. Lobo, MLA, Mangaluru City South, who took part in the protest, said that the governments, led by all political parties, were responsible for the Yettinahole project. It is important to take the people of Dakshina Kannada into confidence before going ahead with the project.

Earlier, at a press conference, B. Ramanath Rai, Minister in-charge of Dakshina Kannada, reiterated his stand stating that the BJP could move an adjournment motion in the Legislative Assembly against the project. “I will speak to the Chief Minister,” he added.