Bagalkote (Karnataka), March 14 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and President of the state Congress, D.K. Shivakumar, on Saturday urged the citizens to support the Congress government once more in the forthcoming by-election, emphasizing that the government has been dedicated to implementing welfare initiatives for the underprivileged.

While distributing compensation cheques to landowners affected by the third phase of the Upper Krishna Project (UKP) during a development event in Bagalkote, Shivakumar highlighted that the state administration had honored its commitments to the people by rolling out the five guarantee schemes.

“You have supported us before, and we have successfully implemented the five guarantee schemes as pledged, establishing a benchmark for the nation. Inspired by Karnataka's example, other states are now initiating similar guarantee schemes. I previously remarked that a lotus thrives in a pond, a sheaf of grain flourishes in a field, and a hand that extends charity is only admirable when it holds power. It is this empowered hand that has made these schemes a reality,” he stated.

He noted that the five guarantees have fortified the government and enabled impoverished families to save approximately Rs 5,000 each month.

Shivakumar also mentioned the impending by-election for the seat once held by H.Y. Meti and called on voters to elect the Congress candidate with a greater margin than that achieved by the late leader.

“In last year's by-elections across three constituencies, the electorate defeated the sons of two former chief ministers and endorsed this government of guarantees. This is our constituency, and given the welfare programs we've introduced for the needy, your support is essential once again,” he remarked.

Shivakumar announced that the government had made significant strides in providing fair compensation to landowners impacted by the Upper Krishna Project. He pointed out that although the tribunal had issued its ruling around 15 years ago, the Centre had yet to act on it.

“Considering the residents of Bagalkote, Badami, Vijayapura, and Kalaburagi, we have engaged in multiple Cabinet discussions and consulted opposition leaders and agricultural organizations. In response to their requests, we resolved to offer just compensation to landowners over 1.33 lakh acres,” he stated.

He confirmed that the government intends to distribute Rs 3,000 crore in compensation this year and has commenced issuing cheques to the beneficiaries.

Addressing water disputes, Shivakumar expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the Cauvery issue and acknowledged that the Supreme Court had delivered justice in the Mekedatu project case. He urged farmers not to be misled into pursuing unnecessary legal actions, as the Supreme Court had ruled in favor of the government.

He revealed that approximately 29,000 individuals had submitted petitions in various courts and encouraged farmers to withdraw these cases, asserting that the current administration had made unprecedented decisions.

Shivakumar mentioned that Andhra Pradesh had approached the Centre to oppose the execution of the Upper Krishna Project and the land acquisition process, requesting that compensation should not be granted to farmers and that the dam height should not be raised.

He added that Maharashtra had also been applying pressure on the Centre to halt the project's implementation.

“I attempted to persuade them. Two meetings were convened by the Union Ministers, yet Maharashtra postponed one meeting and Andhra Pradesh the other. Subsequently, objections were raised,” he explained.

Shivakumar stated he plans to travel to New Delhi to engage with Members of Parliament and plead with the Centre not to impede the state's developmental projects.

The Deputy Chief Minister announced that a medical college had been approved for the region to benefit the underprivileged. He stated that the state government is committed to establishing medical colleges in every district to enhance healthcare services.

Currently, Karnataka boasts 70 medical colleges, offering 13,945 medical seats for students, along with 7,501 postgraduate seats. Additionally, there are 3,405 dental seats with 933 postgraduate seats, around 44,000 nursing seats, and over one lakh paramedical seats.

“With these provisions, Karnataka has set a standard not just for the nation, but for the entire world. In line with the vision of H.Y. Meti, we have also conducted the foundation ceremony for the medical college,” he remarked.