CHITRADURGA, 23 JAN

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said a new irrigation scheme worth Rs 1,274 crore is ready for implementation.

Speaking at a function after offering ‘Bagina’ at the Vani Vilas reservoir here, he said the scheme once implemented would ensure water reaches the last acre of farmland in the region.

Taking a swipe at the BJP, Siddaramaiah said, "Former minister Govinda Karajol made hollow promises about making the Upper Bhadra Project a national project but later betrayed the people."

"Even though Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Rs 5,300 crore for the project in the Budget, not a single rupee has been released. This is a betrayal of the people by the Central government and BJP," he said.

Sitharaman is a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka.

He appealed to Sitharaman to fulfill her promise by releasing Rs 5,300 crore for the project.

Claiming that his government delivered what it promised, he alleged that the BJP deceived people.

Highlighting the historical importance of the Vanivilasa reservoir, he said it is the first dam built in Karnataka, with a history of 115 years.

CM rubbishes allegations of lack of funds

 Siddaramaiah rubbished BJP allegations that there were a lack of funds to appoint boards and corporations. "The BJP is making false, politically motivated allegations," Siddaramaiah said.

The statement highlights the allegedly illegal transfer of Rs 87 crore from the funds of the Karnataka State Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation to various bank accounts and individuals ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

BJP state chief BY Vijayendra accused the Congress government of misappropriating funds designated for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The Shikaripura MLA said in a post on 'X' that the Congress government has failed to appoint a chairperson for the Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.