The minister had visited the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Pacchanadi to inspect ongoing sewerage works and the upgradation project. The visit also included a review of STP upgradation works in Surathkal and areas falling under the South constituency.

Dr. Bharath Shetty, who represents the Mangaluru City North constituency, said he had not received any invitation or prior information about the minister's visit. According to him, programmes related to development works in a constituency should normally be conducted in the presence of the local MLA.

He expressed dissatisfaction that the inspection of the Pacchanadi facility took place without his participation. The MLA alleged that officials did not inform him about the visit due to the influence of local leaders belonging to the Congress party.

Shetty said that such an approach undermines the role of elected representatives who have been involved in initiating and monitoring development projects in their constituencies.

Speaking about the sewerage infrastructure project, Dr. Shetty said that around ₹40 crore has been sanctioned under the Swachh Bharat Mission and funds provided through directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

He stated that the funding for the project had been arranged under central government schemes and grants, while the role of the state government was primarily limited to implementation of the project.

According to the MLA, efforts to bring funds for the sewerage project had been initiated during his first term in office. He said he had written to the relevant authorities earlier and taken steps to ensure that financial support was secured for the project.

Dr. Shetty also commented on the frequency of visits by the district in-charge minister. He alleged that the minister rarely visits the district and generally attends only government meetings or official programmes when he does.

He further claimed that such programmes are often presented as party events rather than government initiatives. According to him, development activities should be handled in a transparent and inclusive manner involving all elected representatives.

The MLA also accused the Congress party of attempting to claim credit for development projects in the district. He said the party was unable to accept the influence and work carried out by BJP MLAs in the region.

According to Shetty, the sewerage project and STP upgradation works should be recognised as initiatives that involved efforts from multiple levels of government rather than being portrayed as achievements of a single political party.

The sewerage treatment and infrastructure upgrades being carried out in areas such as Pacchanadi and Surathkal are part of broader efforts to improve urban sanitation and wastewater management in the city.

Such projects aim to enhance treatment capacity, reduce environmental pollution and comply with environmental standards laid down by regulatory authorities.

Officials have stated that improvements to sewage treatment systems are essential for protecting local water bodies and ensuring better public health outcomes.

The controversy surrounding the inspection visit has added a political dimension to ongoing infrastructure works in the city. While the project itself is aimed at strengthening sewage treatment facilities, the exchange of allegations highlights the continuing political tensions over credit and participation in development initiatives.