Somanna accuses Karnataka govt. of apathy; demands focus on relief, development

Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna accused the Karnataka government of neglecting areas affected by natural disasters in the State, and alleged that it lacked the will to address people’s problems.

Speaking to media persons here on Thursday, Mr. Somanna said that heavy rains have caused extensive damage in different parts of the State, and yet the Ministers concerned have not paid any visit to the affected areas.

“The government should respond to people’s sufferings and the Ministers should be sent to their respective districts without delay,” he added.

On the controversy over Dasara and the government’s choice of selecting author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the festival, Mr. Somanna said that Chamundi Hills was synonymous with faith, tradition, devotion, and history, and those inaugurating it should be made aware of it. Without mentioning any name, the Minister said that those inaugurating it should conduct it in a manner that does not hurt anybody’s religious sentiments.

However, Mr. Somanna said that the government was “taking for granted” issues related to tradition and religion, and added that it should not be the case.

On issues related to development, the Minister highlighted a few pending railway projects in the region, including the Hejjala-Chamarajanagar and Mysuru-Kushalnagar railway line, which had been stalled due to land acquisition issues.

“Both the projects are languishing in neglect and though I have appealed to senior leaders of Karnataka to push for it and send a requisition, they are silent,” he added.

He also said that the Centre was stepping in where the State had failed, and referred to the initiative to close all level-crossing gates across Indian Railways. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that many projects do not take off due to non-cooperation of State governments. That is why, we are funding the entire project,” he said.

On the GST rate cuts announced by the government, Mr. Somanna dismissed speculation that they were politically timed.

“This country always has elections. That is why One Nation, One Election is required,” he said.

Accusing the ruling dispensation of lacking seriousness, Mr. Somanna said that both the Centre and the State should work in tandem to promote development. “Unfortunately, this State government has no commitment,” he alleged.

On the Dharmasthala issue, the Minister said it was an example of how a lie told a thousand times was still a lie, and it was time the government realise its mistake and stop heeding to the views of vested-interest groups.

MLA for Krishnaraja T.S. Srivatsa and other BJP leaders were present.