RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge during the foundation and foundation stone laying ceremony for various development works at Chittapur in Kalaburagi district on Sunday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Minister for Rural Development and in-charge of Panchayat Raj and Kalaburagi District Priyank Kharge on Sunday slammed the Union government for increasing the price of cooking gas on International Women’s Day, calling it a reflection of the Achhe Din promised by the Centre.
Speaking at a program in Chittapur city to inaugurate completed development projects and lay foundation stones for new ones, worth a combined ₹1,069 crore, Mr Kharge said the decision to hike LPG prices on a day meant to celebrate women revealed the government’s priorities at the Centre.
Referring to the five guarantee schemes of the state government, the minister said they enable people to lead a dignified and secure life.
“When the government returns people’s money to them through these guarantee schemes, BJP leaders criticize it. They don’t want public money to be used for people’s benefit,” he said.
Mr. Kharge said he was working as a “son of the soil of Chittapur and Kalaburagi district” in line with the promise he made to voters during the elections.
Referring to the projects launched at the event, he said that development work worth ₹1,069 crore is being implemented in the constituency, which translates to around ₹1 billion for each village and even up to ₹3 crore for larger villages.
Responding to political criticism, Mr. Kharge said some people say he has become the next political target after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. “As long as I have the blessings of the people of Chittapur and Kalaburagi, nothing will happen to me,” he said to applause from the gathering.
Among others present were Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Published – March 8, 2026 8:06 PM IST
