Welcome arch with Karnataka chief minister’s pic on NH sparks criticism

Mangaluru: The installation of a welcome arch across the national highway at Kallapu, intended to greet devotees attending the Ullal Uroos, sparked public outrage. The controversy arose from one of the supporting poles being positioned directly on the road surface.
People have been sharing the picture of the welcome arch, which features images of leaders, including chief minister Siddaramaiah, speaker UT Khader, syndicate member of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Dr UT Ifthikar Ali, Mohammed Libzeth, personal assistant to UT Khader, and others.
"Due to the ongoing slow-paced construction work on the Netravathi Bridge, daily commuters on the Kallapu National Highway are frustrated by the severe traffic jams. With the Ullal Uroos festival now underway, the crowds are increasing daily. Amidst this, a political move has emerged right in the middle of the NH, causing further inconvenience to the public. Nearby, people are struggling to cross the road," reads a message on social media.
When contacted, Mohammed Libzeth told TOI that he had already given directions to the contractor to remove the supporting pole from the NH. "The pole will be removed from the national highway soon, and it will be positioned outside the road edge," he added.