Mandya (Karnataka), Feb 20 (NationPress) In a pointed critique of the Congress-led administration in Karnataka, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, asserted on Friday that numerous centrally funded projects remain unfulfilled and that funds have been returned due to the state government's failure to utilize them.

"The Centre is dedicated to fostering balanced development," emphasized Union Minister Kumaraswamy.

He made these remarks while presenting the 'Vignatham 2026' award, established by Sri Adichunchanagiri Kshetra, to esteemed scientist M.K. Surappa during a ceremony in Adichunchanagiri.

Speaking in front of State Ministers, he stated: "A variety of centrally funded initiatives in the state are incomplete, and allocated funds have been returned due to a lack of utilization. The state government has struggled to provide matching grants and timely land allocations."

This issue requires urgent attention, he noted, mentioning that the Centre is ready to offer full support to the Karnataka government.

"Development cannot be achieved through mere advertisements. That is not my strategy," he asserted.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to balanced development and highlighted efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Under Prime Minister Modi's guidance, India is emerging as a significant global economic force and progressing in artificial intelligence to compete with leading nations," he added.

"It is unnecessary to mix politics with development. We should avoid mutual criticisms and accusations," he stated.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy called for collective efforts to guide Mandya district towards development, underscoring the importance of further growth for the region.

He currently represents the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency and remarked, "The electorate of the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency has chosen me beyond party lines. I will not let them down. With the presence of Sri Kalabhairava and under our Guru's guidance, I commit to bringing at least two industries to Mandya."

He also announced a global-level Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) research center in Mandya, with an investment of Rs 500 crore.

Funds for this project have been allocated in the Union Budget, and he has requested Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to identify 100 acres of land.

"The state government should work with the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board to develop appropriate land and expedite the handover. Public representatives lack the authority to allocate land, and there is no need for politicization," the Union Minister stated.

"At least Rs 1,000 crore will be invested in the ARAI center, which will revolutionize Mandya. This project is expected to create significant direct and indirect employment opportunities and establish a robust automobile sector ecosystem," he noted.

He added that he is also actively pursuing the establishment of another industry in Mandya district.

Regarding the revival of the Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VSIL) in Bhadravati, he mentioned: "Efforts are underway to achieve self-reliance in the steel sector. An initial investment of no less than Rs 5,000 crore is being contemplated for the steel plant, with technical discussions ongoing and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) being prepared. Steps are also being taken to rejuvenate Hindustan Machine Tools Limited."

"I do not insist on attending foundation stone-laying ceremonies for my initiatives. However, I have recently faced pressure to do so. In Channapatna, I executed development projects worth thousands of crores without attending such ceremonies, and now some question the outcomes," he added.

Sri Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji of the Sri Adichunchanagiri Math presided over the event, where floral tributes were paid to the seer on the occasion of the 13th Pattabhisheka Mahotsava. Other dignitaries included former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, State Ministers K.H. Muniyappa and Cheluvarayaswamy, and award recipient M.K. Surappa.