Bangalore, March 15: D.K. Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and state Congress president, urged voters on Saturday to bless the Congress government once again in the upcoming by-election. He emphasized that the government is implementing welfare schemes for the poor.
Speaking at a development program in Bagalkot, where he distributed compensation checks to those who lost land under the Upper Krishna Project (UKP) Phase III, Shivakumar stated that the state government has fulfilled its promises through five guarantee schemes.
“You have blessed us, and in return, we have implemented five guarantee schemes, setting an example for the nation. Inspired by Karnataka, other states have begun announcing similar guarantee schemes. Before the elections, I mentioned that the lotus pond looks best when it is full, grains look best in the fields, and a giving hand is most appreciated when it is in power. Because that giving hand is in power, these schemes have been implemented,” he said.
He noted that the five guarantees have strengthened the government and helped poor families save nearly ₹5,000 each month.
Shivakumar also referenced the upcoming by-election for the seat previously held by H.Y. Meti, urging voters to elect the Congress candidate by an even larger margin than before.
“Last year, during by-elections in three assembly constituencies, people defeated the sons of two former chief ministers and blessed this ‘guarantee government.’ This is our own assembly constituency, and considering the welfare programs we have implemented for the poor, you should bless us once again,” he added.
He highlighted that the government has made a significant decision to provide fair compensation to those who lost land under the Upper Krishna Project. Although the tribunal issued its order nearly 15 years ago, the central government had not implemented it.
“Considering the people of Bagalkot, Badami, Vijayapura, and Kalaburagi, we have discussed this issue multiple times in the cabinet and consulted with opposition leaders and farmer organizations. Based on their demands, we have decided to provide fair compensation to those who lost 1.33 lakh acres of land,” he stated.
The government has decided to distribute ₹3,000 crores as compensation this year and has begun issuing checks to beneficiaries.
Addressing water disputes, Shivakumar expressed satisfaction with the state government’s handling of the Cauvery issue and noted that the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Mekedatu Project. He urged farmers not to be misled into filing unnecessary court cases, explaining that the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the government.
He mentioned that approximately 29,000 individuals have filed petitions in various courts and encouraged farmers to withdraw such cases. He asserted that the state government has made decisions that no previous government has made.
Shivakumar pointed out that neighboring Andhra Pradesh has written to the central government objecting to the implementation of the Upper Krishna Project and the land acquisition process. He urged the center not to provide compensation to farmers and not to raise the height of the dam.
He further stated that Maharashtra is also pressuring the central government to halt the project’s implementation.
“I have tried to explain this to them. Central ministers have convened meetings twice, but once Maharashtra postponed the meeting, and the second time Andhra Pradesh did. Later, they raised objections,” he said.
Shivakumar announced plans to discuss this issue with MPs in New Delhi and urged the central government not to obstruct the state’s development projects.
The Deputy Chief Minister also mentioned that the government has approved a medical college in the region for the benefit of the poor. He stated that the state government is committed to strengthening healthcare services by establishing medical colleges in every district.
Currently, Karnataka has 70 medical colleges, offering 13,945 undergraduate seats and 7,501 postgraduate seats. Additionally, there are 3,405 dental seats (including 933 postgraduate seats), nearly 44,000 nursing seats, and over one lakh paramedical seats available.
“With these facilities, Karnataka has set an example not only for the country but for the entire world. Fulfilling H.Y. Meti’s dream, we have also laid the foundation stone for this medical college,” he concluded.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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