Centre is doing injustice to Karnataka on many issues, alleges Krishna Byre Gowda

Alleging that the Union government has been doing injustice to Karnataka on many issues, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said he wanted to know why BJP leaders were not trying to get justice for the State.

Speaking to the press in Hassan on November 28, Mr. Gowda said the Supreme Court had rejected Tamil Nadu’s petition challenging the Mekedadu project. The Centre should allow Karnataka to construct a dam at Mekedatu. “But the Centre is not allowing us to go ahead. Why is it doing injustice to Karnataka?” he questioned.

Referring to the Mahadayi project, he said that in 2019, Karnataka had submitted an application for the project to lift water. “The project has been stalled owing to the delay in getting environment clearance. Why has there been no debate on the issue? Is it not related to the State’s people and their well-being?” he asked.

Similarly, with regard to the Upper Bhadra project, the Centre should release ₹5,300 crore. The amount was mentioned in the Union budget, which was approved in parliament. “We have not received even 53 paisa for the project from the Centre. Why has there been no discussion on this issue?” he added.

The price of maize has come down drastically, and the Centre has announced a minimum support price for the crop. “But why are they not giving permission to procure maize as per the minimum support price? Is this not injustice to the farmers of Karnataka?” he further asked.

“The Centre has been systematically cheating the State. It is not just the BJP Lok Sabha members; everyone in the BJP is silent on these issues. They do drama in the streets to project themselves as pro-farmer. Instead, let them go to Delhi and get the projects sanctioned for the State and solve issues concerning farmers,” he opined.

Mr. Gowda, who is also the in-charge Minister of Hassan district, was in Hassan to review preparations for the Chief Minister’s visit to the district, scheduled on December 6. He visited the Government Engineering College grounds, where the programme will be held. Later, he held a meeting with officers on the preparations for the CM’s visit.