In a first-of-its-kind by any elected representative from the district, MP A.H. Vishwanath yesterday interacted with city Corporators and the candidates defeated during the MCC elections, at the Institution of Engineers on JLB road in city yesterday and mooted at involving all of them in the overall development of Mysore which is growing at an alarming pace.

By roping in successful and unsuccessful candidates, we get an opportunity to utilise their expertise in shaping the city, he said and added that it was not a poll gimmick and claimed that it is being held in the interest of city’s development.

He alleged that the previous BJP government, which wasted tax payers’ money for construction of KSRTC bus stands which have turned into commercial complexes causing more inconvenience to citizens, did not allow him to conduct even one such meeting.

Dwelling upon utilisation of funds released under JNNURM, he said that the first instalment of Rs. 1,292 crore had not been properly utilised and the same had led the authorities at the Centre to refuse release of second instalment. The MP said it was at his behest that the second installment had been released.

He said that the interaction had been organised mainly to know whether the benefits of various schemes launched had reached the needy and discuss about the steps to be taken to ensure that the objectives of the schemes were achieved.

Funds for Madikeri: Vishwanath further said that major projects would be implemented for development of tourism in Madikeri in the near future.

Hundreds of defeated candidates who were present at the programme sought the government should ensure that benefits of schemes reach the beneficiaries without the involvement of middlemen.

Association of Concerned and Informed Citizens of Mysore (ACICM) Convenor M. Lakshmana, in a power-point presentation, explained about the problems being faced by Mysoreans and demanded upgradation of Mysore Airport and improvement of Under Ground Drainage system and availability of potable water.

ZP CEO P.A. Gopal, MCC Asst. Commissioner Raju, MUDA Town Planning Director Shashi Kumar, Congress leader R. Raghu and others were present.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore