Bengaluru, Feb 14 (NationPress) Celebrating the completion of 1,000 days of the Congress-led administration in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar expressed optimism that the party would secure 141 seats in the forthcoming Assembly elections during the “Successful 1,000 Days of Public Service and Land Guarantee Dedication Convention” held in Haveri.

He further declared that, alongside the five promises made prior to the last elections, the government is introducing a sixth commitment — the “Land Guarantee”.

Shivakumar mentioned that if the Centre approves critical irrigation initiatives like the Upper Krishna Project, Mekedatu, Mahadayi, and Yettinahole, a seventh commitment, termed the “Water Guarantee”, would be introduced.

“When I requested your votes, I stated: a lotus flourishes in a pond, a sheaf thrives in a field, and the hand that offers aid appears powerful. As this benevolent hand holds power, we have fulfilled the five promises and are now providing the sixth — Land Guarantee,” Shivakumar highlighted.

He noted that the government has regularized land records, including podi and khata, for 1,11,111 individuals who previously lacked proper documentation.

Moreover, he announced a compensation plan of Rs 35–40 lakh for farmers whose land is acquired for the Upper Krishna Project.

Concerning the Mekedatu project on the Cauvery River, he revealed that a team of legal experts has presented arguments in the Supreme Court, and preparations for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) are ongoing.

On the Mahadayi project, Shivakumar indicated that the Union Forest Department has yet to provide approval, with similar objections raised regarding drinking water supply schemes. He expressed hope that approvals would be granted soon, facilitating irrigation and drinking water supply to drought-prone areas like Chikkaballapur and Kolar.

Through the Krishna, Cauvery, and Mahadayi projects, the government aspires to enhance farmers’ livelihoods and ensure sufficient drinking water supply, irrigation support, and groundwater recharge.

Highlighting welfare programs, he noted that the Energy Department allocates around Rs 20,000 crore yearly to provide free electricity to agricultural pump sets.

“In the last election, we secured 136 seats. In the upcoming election, we will win 141 seats — remember my words. I hold faith in our MLAs,” Shivakumar asserted.

He referenced recent bypoll victories, stating that Congress has fortified its presence in constituencies that were previously not held by the party.

He also underscored the positive impact of the government’s guarantee initiatives, claiming that women are benefiting from free bus travel, households are receiving financial support, and youth are discovering new opportunities.

Critiquing opposition parties, Shivakumar accused the BJP and JD(S) of neglecting to implement equivalent welfare programs during their governance.

“Our government has accomplished 1,000 days. We have delivered on our promises and come to seek your blessings,” he stated.

Although the government reached the 1,000-day milestone on Friday, the event was celebrated on Saturday due to an international conference on dam safety held in Bengaluru.

However, Shivakumar exited the stage as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah began his speech, amid chants from supporters urging that Siddaramaiah serve a full term. This development occurs amidst reported differences between the two leaders, though no official statement has been made.