The Karnataka government has initiated plans to redevelop the contentious Parashurama Theme Park in Karkala and reconstruct its central statue. This significant decision, announced by Karkala Block Congress President Shubhada Rao in Udupi on November 5, follows a High Court directive on a public interest litigation.
The move came after a special meeting held Tuesday in Bengaluru's Vikas Soudha, where Udupi District In-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad presided over discussions with local representatives and officials on various district issues. Rao confirmed that several key resolutions for the theme park's development and implementation were passed during this meeting.
Welcoming the state government's commitment, Rao stated that the decision marks an end to the controversy surrounding the original Parashurama statue. He referred to the existing bronze idol on Ummikal Hill in Bailooru, Karkala, built before the 2023 assembly elections, as a 'fake' representation. He accused local MLA Sunil Kumar of misleading the public and the former Chief Minister during its inauguration, calling it an act of 'dharma droha' followed by a 'series of lies' to defend it.
Rao highlighted that the government's steps align with guidance from the High Court, which had considered a Public Interest Litigation filed by Karkala Congress leader Uday Shetty Muniyalu. Key decisions include seeking technical expert advice for statue reconstruction, taking necessary measures to transfer gomala land to the theme park's name, and issuing new tenders for transparent project execution. These resolutions were made in the presence of the Udupi Deputy Commissioner, marking a positive development.
Rao further alleged that MLA Sunil Kumar has now embarked on a new 'drama,' circulating posters through his associates on social media for a vehicle rally from Bengaluru to Karkala, ostensibly to demand theme park work. The Block Congress President affirmed that the state government's intervention represents a significant victory for the struggle that has spanned the last three years.
Also present at the press conference were Hebri Block Congress President Gopinath Bhatt, Karkala Guarantee Implementation Committee President Ajith Hegde Mala, former Karkala Town Municipal Council Presidents Subith Kumar N.R. and Pratima Rane, former TMC member Vivekananda Shenoy, and KMF Director Sudhakar Shetty.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi