Mangaluru: Defending his proposal to earmark a sum of Rs 15 crore for the development of a slaughterhouse at Kudroli, district in charge-minister U T Khader said that those opposing the suggestion were free to write a letter to the Union Ministry of Urban Development to stall the project.

Khader’s comments came in response to the allegations levelled by BJP leaders that he had diverted a sum of Rs 15 crore meant for Smart city project for the development of the Kudroli slaughterhouse.

Speaking to presspersons here on Monday, October 8, U T Khader said that several developmental works are being planned in the city, under the smart city project and that development of slaughterhouse was one among them.

Pointing out at the lack of proper disposal facilities at the present slaughterhouse Khader said that cleanliness and hygiene at these places could be maintained only if basic infrastructure facilities are made available and hence the proposal for its development.

Further, he informed that the proposal was put forth at a board meeting, attended by Mangaluru City Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and opposition leaders and everyone had given their consent to the same.

Hitting out at his critics for politicising the move Khader said, “When BJP was in rule in the corporation, the Kudroli slaughterhouse was auctioned and run for a year by a BJP follower. Why no one had opposed it then?”, he questioned.

Mayor Bhaskar Moily, deputy mayor Mohammed, chief whip of MCC Shashidhar Hegde and others were present.