Mandya, April 7 (NationPress) Basavaraj Bommai, the former Chief Minister and current Member of Parliament representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has expressed his strong belief that the BJP will secure victories in the Bagalkot and Davanagere by-elections, asserting that these outcomes will act as a compass for the political landscape in the state.

He remarked that a rising public discontent towards the state government is likely to evolve into a significant anti-incumbency wave in the near future.

During a press interaction in Mandya on Tuesday, Bommai stated that after three years in power, the true nature of the state government has been revealed.

He claimed widespread dissatisfaction and opposition are present throughout the state, confidently asserting, “BJP candidates will triumph in both constituencies.”

When asked about the ongoing gas shortage within the state, Bommai criticized the Congress for allegedly exacerbating the problem.

He noted that the Food Minister, K.H. Muniyappa, had previously taken a reasonable stance but questioned the inconsistency in his current statements.

Discussing the international context, Bommai pointed out that many nations are encountering disruptions due to ongoing conflicts, which have impacted the availability of petrol and diesel. He emphasized that despite the ongoing war lasting around 30 days, India has not faced a significant crisis.

“The Central Government has effectively managed the situation, and the state government should have acknowledged this,” he stated, adding that stirring unnecessary disputes would be futile as the public is aware of the reality.

He also rebuffed the Congress by recalling the circumstances during the Iraq war when the party was in power at the national level. “They should remember how, within two days, vehicles were queuing for miles outside petrol stations,” he remarked.

Later, after joining a dharna and satyagraha against the proposed merger of Geddalagere Gram Panchayat with Maddur Town Municipality in Mandya district, Bommai condemned the state government for allegedly disregarding the will of the people, asserting that in a democracy, governance should align with public aspirations.

“In a democracy, the people's will is paramount, and the government must operate in accordance with that. Here, the government is acting against the populace, which is condemnable,” Bommai added.

He argued that merging a gram panchayat into a municipal body without public consent is unconstitutional and contradicts both constitutional principles and public sentiment. He vowed to support the protesters in their struggle.

Bommai reminisced about the introduction of power decentralization in Karnataka under leaders like the late Ramakrishna Hegde and the late Abdul Nazir Sab. Referring to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, he highlighted its establishment of gram, taluk, and zilla panchayats and the delegation of powers to them.

He noted that this legislation underwent extensive discussion in the Assembly before securing unanimous passage, followed by approval from both the Governor and later the President after initial delays.

He mentioned that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had initiated the efforts leading to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which were subsequently passed during Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao's administration.

The 73rd Amendment clearly delineates the powers and responsibilities of gram panchayats, including jurisdiction over housing, although he alleged that Members of the Legislative Assembly frequently interfere in these domains.

He questioned whether the Chief Minister is aware of these issues and expressed concern that even if he is, yielding to local legislators undermines the authority of the office.

Bommai also highlighted initiatives from his tenure, such as financial aid for farmers’ children.

He stated that approximately Rs 450 crore was disbursed to nearly 11 lakh students from Class 8 to postgraduate levels. He credited farmers for ensuring national food security despite population growth.

Bommai was honored at a program in Elechakkanahalli village of Mandya taluk, recognizing his role in facilitating the plan to channel water from the Lokapavani River under the Elechakkanahalli lift irrigation project during his term as Water Resources Minister and subsequently as Chief Minister.

He remarked that the respect and recognition received from the people surpass any award, inspiring individuals to make sacrifices. He added that the people of Mandya have honored him with respect that exceeds even that of an honorary doctorate.