Jayanagar MLA stages protest against ‘discrimination’ in fund allocation

NT Correspondent

A silent protest was held in front of Jayanagar Shopping Complex against the delay in construction of shops that were demolished a few years ago and discrimination in fund allocation to Jayanagar Assembly constituency.

Speaking on the occasion, Jayanagar MLA Sowmya Reddy has alleged discrimination by BJP government in allocating funds for developmental works in Jayanagar Assembly constituency.

“The then chief minister Siddaramaiah has allocated Rs 150 crore – Rs 60 crore for Jayanagar Shopping Complex and Rs 90 crore for other developmental works – in Jayanagar Assembly constituency but the present BJP government has diverted these funds to Assembly constituencies represented by BJP MLAs. This discrimination is affecting the developmental works in Jayanagar Assembly constituency,’’ said Sowmya Reddy.

Speaking with News Trail, former corporator of Byrasandra ward N Nagaraj has blamed the BJP government and the BBMP authorities for diverting the funds meant for construction of shops, parking facility, auditorium and multiplex at Jayanagar Shopping Complex.

“The funds were meant for construction of a parking facility to accommodate 750 cars and 1500 two-wheelers at the shopping complex. Many tenants (shop owners) evicted to facilitate construction of new complexes are yet to be accommodated. The construction work is incomplete,’’ said Nagaraj.

He said the old shopping complex is covered with barricading sheets.

“It has become a favourite destination for miscreants. They have become a nuisance to the adjacent BBMP offices. Earlier, concrete benches were installed for the benefit of senior citizens. Now, these benches are removed and new ones are yet to be provided. It is causing a lot of inconvenience to senior citizens,’’ he said.