Mangaluru: Now God is being dragged into the incomplete flyover issue. The allegations and counter allegations regarding delay in the construction of flyovers on NH-66 at Pumpwell Circle and Thokkottu in the city is leading to a possible ‘aane pramana’ (speaking the truth in front of a deity).While the issue of delay in the construction of two flyovers has been a subject of political debates in the past few years, former MLA of Mangaluru City South, J R Lobo , has invited Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel for a truth test. Lobo told reporters on Tuesday that the MP has been blaming him for the delay, which is an allegation far from the truth.“The MP has stated in a public programme that I caused delay in the construction of flyovers at Pumpwell and Thokkottu. The MP has alleged that the original designs of the flyovers were changed by me and district minister U T Khader to help people who belong to our communities. He has also alleged that the land acquisition process for the flyovers was delayed because of us. I would like to clarify that I have not been invited for any meetings related to the construction of flyovers. It is a central government project and they have not taken me into confidence as a local MLA while executing plans then. Let the MP take ‘aane pramana’ in front of a deity that he believes in. I am also ready to take a vow that I have not done anything to delay the construction of flyovers at Pumpwell and Thokkottu,” Lobo said.He alleged that Kateel, who was the MP of Dakshina Kannada for the past 10 years, has failed utterly in bringing central government projects to the district. “Let him do introspection about his own performance before levelling allegations against others. I am very much pained as I have been blamed for the delay in the flyover construction work. Hence, I invite the MP for a truth test in front of any shrine. I am confident that I have not done anything wrong,” Lobo said.Khader reactsReacting to Nalin Kumar Kateel’s allegations, district minister U T Khader said the MP’s statements were politically motivated. “People know it is all lies. He is making allegations that change in the designs of flyovers and delay in land acquisition are reasons for the work moving at a snail’s pace. Why does he raise this issue now? Such issues should have been raised when the project was commenced,” Khader said.Caption: Former MLA of Mangaluru City South, J R Lobo, on Tuesday dared Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel for a truth test about the incomplete flyovers in mangaluru city

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