Bagalkote, March 14 (NationPress) Karnataka's Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, declared on Saturday that his administration is dedicated to rectifying regional disparities in North Karnataka. He emphasized that the Congress-led government stands by its commitments to the populace.

"Guarantees and development are treated with equal importance," he stated.

His remarks came during the foundation stone ceremony for the Bagalkote Medical College and Research Institute, the inauguration of various developmental projects, and the initiation of land compensation distribution for properties acquired under the third phase of the Upper Krishna Project (UKP).

The Chief Minister paid his respects to the late H.Y. Meti, a former MLA who served the area and recently passed away, expressing his hopes for peace for his soul.

He noted that Meti was instrumental in establishing the medical college in Bagalkote.

"The proposal to create the medical college was included in the 2025 state Budget, and today's foundation-laying is part of our development vision, not just a response to the upcoming by-election," he clarified.

Siddaramaiah mentioned that since his party took office in Karnataka, numerous foundation and inauguration ceremonies have been held to foster development across various districts.

He conveyed that the government aims to set up medical colleges and trauma centers in every district, with initiatives already underway in approximately 25 districts.

Moreover, he announced that a super-speciality hospital is set to be established in Bagalkote next year.

The Chief Minister dismissed allegations from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claiming that guarantee programs have depleted development funds, asserting that such claims are unfounded.

"Our (Congress) administration prioritizes both guarantees and development equally. Annually, around Rs 50,000 crore is allocated to guarantee schemes, totaling Rs 1.22 lakh crore to date," he remarked.

He criticized the BJP for failing to establish a medical college in Bagalkote during their four years in power, accusing them of fueling divisiveness among communities.

Siddaramaiah pointed out that the previous BJP-led government showed little interest in providing compensation under the Upper Krishna Project, which deterred farmers from releasing their land.

He affirmed that the Congress administration has resolved to offer compensation in a single payment.

"The current state Budget includes funds for land compensation under the third phase of the UKP, with additional financial arrangements to follow," he stated.

Farmers who willingly part with their land will receive Rs 40 lakh per acre for irrigated land and Rs 30 lakh per acre for dry land, he added, countering the BJP's misinformation regarding the scheme.

The Chief Minister noted that Rs 446 crore is being allocated as compensation for 900 acres of land across eight villages within the UKP project area.

He reiterated that the Karnataka government consistently honors its commitments.

Additionally, he criticized the Union government for failing to grant the necessary approvals for various irrigation projects in the state, including the Upper Krishna Project and the Mahadayi project.

"Our (Congress) government is diligently working to ensure justice for the residents of North Karnataka. We are resolute in our goal to eliminate regional disparities in this area," he concluded.