Udupi, May 16, 2026: Accusing the state Congress government of completely neglecting Udupi district’s development, the District BJP Yuva Morcha staged a fierce ‘Go Back’ protest against District In-Charge Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office on Saturday.

Allegations by Yuva Morcha Leaders: Addressing the protestors, Yuva Morcha District President Prithviraj Shetty Billadi strongly condemned the government’s step-motherly treatment toward Udupi. He pointed out that under the NURM bus scheme launched in 2013, over 40 buses were operational in the city. However, following the implementation of the free travel guarantee scheme for women, the government has abruptly cut down 50% of these buses, causing severe inconvenience to daily commuters.

He further alleged that the government is playing with the lives of poor patients by intentionally delaying the completion of the Udupi District Hospital project. Additionally, he criticized the state for backtracking on its promise to provide substantial funds for the historic Paryaya festival, eventually releasing a negligible amount.

High Drama and Police Deployment: As Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar arrived at the DC office complex to attend the KDP progress review meeting, agitated protestors waved black flags and raised loud ‘Go Back’ slogans. High drama ensued when party workers attempted to storm onto the main road to block the minister’s convoy. The local police immediately intervened, putting up barricades to push back the agitators. Tight police security was deployed around the venue to prevent any untoward incidents.

Prominent local leaders including Sandhya Ramesh, Abhiraj Suvarna, Shivakumar Ambalpady, and Sachin Suvarna were present during the agitation.

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