Mangaluru: MP Nalin Kumar Kateel fired a fresh salvo at J R Lobo, Congress candidate for Mangaluru City South constituency, accusing him of misleading voters in his quest for votes. Singling out MLA’s perceive failures in implementing the Smart City project and of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme, Nalin said the MLA has tried to singularly take credit for these schemes in his list of achievements.

Addressing reporters on Thursday, Nalin said out of Rs 216 crore released to the city under smart city project, the state government that is scheduled to implement the same has failed to utilize the grants given to it.

“Unlike Shivamogga that is miles ahead in implementing this project, Congress ruled MCC with Lobo as sitting MLA has deliberately gone slow in implementing the same lest credit for the same goes to NDA government that has given the project,” he said.

The MLA and MCC also tried to divert funds under AMRUT scheme against norms to complete earlier project implemented by the civic body under Asian Development Bank aided KUDCEM project, Nalin said. Blaming this on the internal politics within the ruling Congress, Nalin said lack of coordination between various agencies, delay in setting up special purpose vehicle for the Smart City and coordination committees has hurt the development prospects of the city.

Accusing ruling Congress of also playing politics with development issues in DK district, Nalin said government has failed to acquire land for extension of runway at Mangaluru International Airport, for the proposed plastic park as well as for world class railway station.

While the centre is keen to invest in these projects, it cannot do much unless the state government acquires land for the project, he said adding the electorate will see through such stalling tactics.

On ‘perceived failure’ of his own government to complete flyovers at Pumpwell and Thokkottu, Nalin said the Thokkottu flyover will be completed by June. The flyover at Pumpwell (Mahavir) Circle was initially delayed due to revenue issues and is now facing cash crunch, he said, adding the ministry of road transport and highways has given them a long rope for terminating the contract at his point would delay the project further, he said.