Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Karnataka Minister Slams NMPA for Protocol Breach Over Jubilee Invite
A state minister in Karnataka is upset because he wasn't invited to a big party for a port's 50th birthday.
The minister feels this was a mistake on purpose, like a rule was broken.
He believes the port's organizers invited people from a specific political party instead of him, who is in charge of the area.
He wrote letters to important leaders, including a central government minister, to complain.
He said that while the port has done good work for the country, the current managers might be doing things for political reasons.
He hopes the port does well in the future but also wants them to follow the rules of who to invite, no matter which political party is in charge.
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao has accused the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) of a deliberate breach of protocol.
Gundurao was not invited to NMPA's Golden Jubilee celebrations scheduled for November 13.
He alleges that the Authority invited representatives connected to the Bharatiya Janata Party instead of the district in-charge minister.
Gundurao has written sharply worded letters to Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and other officials, seeking action.
He expressed hope for the port's future prosperity but urged adherence to protocol, regardless of political power.
- Who
- Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundurao
- What
- Accused the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) of a deliberate breach of protocol by not inviting him, the district in-charge minister, to its Golden Jubilee celebration.
- When
- November 13 (the date of the NMPA Golden Jubilee celebration)
- Where
- Mangaluru, Karnataka
- Why
- Gundurao alleges the exclusion was politically motivated, suggesting the NMPA is favoring political parties and disrespecting the state government.
Karnataka Minister's Grievance
New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) Actions
Invitation Protocol
Karnataka Minister's Grievance
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao expressed strong exception to not being invited to NMPA's Golden Jubilee celebrations, calling it a deliberate breach of protocol and suggesting the Authority invited representatives connected to the Bharatiya Janata Party instead.
New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) Actions
The NMPA is holding its Golden Jubilee celebrations on November 13, with multiple infrastructure projects and events planned. The invitation list and its perceived political leanings are the subject of the controversy.
Allegations of Political Motivation
Karnataka Minister's Grievance
Gundurao alleged that the NMPA management is serving its 'political masters' and praised the Union Minister for appointing officers who advance a political cause, implying the invitation list reflects this. He suggested the port is acting as a 'Maritime Gateway of BJP' rather than 'The Maritime Gateway of Karnataka'.
New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) Actions
While the articles do not contain a direct statement from NMPA regarding the invitation controversy, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways is the recipient of Gundurao's letter, indicating NMPA's actions are under scrutiny from the central government's ministry.
Call for Action
Karnataka Minister's Grievance
Dinesh Gundurao has sought action against NMPA Chairman Dr Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, Ministry Secretary Vijay Kumar, DoPT secretary, and the Chief Secretary of Karnataka for the discourtesy and breach of protocol shown to the state government.
New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) Actions
The article mentions that NMPA is celebrating its Golden Jubilee and inaugurating infrastructure projects. The focus appears to be on the port's development and its 50 years of operation.
- Event
- New Mangalore Port (NMPA) Golden Jubilee Celebration
- Date of Event
- November 13
- Location
- Dr BR Ambedkar Stadium, Panambur, Mangaluru
- Minister's Complaint
- Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao was not invited.
- Allegation
- Deliberate breach of protocol, favoring BJP representatives over state government officials.
- Recipient of Complaint Letter
- Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal
- Other Officials Notified
- NMPA Chairman Dr Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, Ministry Secretary Vijay Kumar, DoPT secretary, Chief Secretary of Karnataka
