Bagalkot (Karnataka), March 28 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has vehemently criticized the Siddaramaiah-led administration regarding the rehabilitation efforts and financial allocations concerning the Upper Krishna Project, claiming injustice to the residents impacted by the initiative.

During a press conference held in Bagalkot, Bommai highlighted the issues surrounding rehabilitation and resettlement in areas that are submerged, noting that the government recently asserted it had allocated approximately Rs 400 crore, despite orders being issued months prior.

With the Bagalkot bypoll approaching, Bommai expressed his confidence, stating that there is a distinct contrast between the elections of 2023 and 2026, and asserted that the BJP would emerge victorious. He alleged that the ruling party might attempt to sway voters through financial influence, but emphasized that this contest is fundamentally between “state power and people’s power,” with the latter destined to succeed.

In response to comments made by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who suggested that Bommai and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy could not secure the victory of their sons, Bommai pointed out that even Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had suffered an electoral defeat by a margin of 30,000 votes while in office. He noted that BJP leaders have repeatedly won in their constituencies and questioned why Siddaramaiah has not returned to contest in Badami.

He further alleged that, despite an approved annual allocation of Rs 18,000 crore for land acquisition under the third phase of the Upper Krishna Project, only Rs 3,000 crore was actually allocated in the budget, raising serious concerns regarding compensation for affected farmers.

Bommai stated that numerous farmers have sought legal redress for compensation, and in certain instances, the irrigation department has claimed in affidavits that it lacks the funds to make the payments. He accused the government of deceiving the public, asserting that individuals have lost homes and land, villages are on the brink of submergence, and several urban wards could also be at risk.

Moreover, he charged that the Congress government had previously pledged Rs 10,000 crore annually for the project but has failed to deliver, branding it a betrayal of the region's populace.

Bommai also questioned the Congress regarding the funds allocated to Navanagar in Bagalkot during its administration, asserting that substantial grants were provided when he was Chief Minister and when leaders like Govind Karjol were in pivotal roles.

Referring to the proposal for a medical college, he inquired why it was not established when H.Y. Meti was alive, accusing the government of making promises during election time despite a depleted treasury.

When questioned about the proposal to increase the height of the Almatti dam, Bommai indicated that this matter involves a dispute among three states, with arguments from two states already presented. He questioned the effectiveness of Karnataka’s lawyers in the ongoing legal proceedings.

He noted that Maharashtra has filed a petition in the Supreme Court contesting the decision to raise the dam height to 524 metres, and mentioned that when he raised this issue in the Assembly, the state had claimed that an affidavit had been submitted.

On the subject of guarantee schemes, he stated that welfare programs should be supported by a robust financial foundation, but questioned their efficacy if development efforts are stalled and the state finds itself in debt.

MP Govind Karjol was also present during the press conference.