Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda reviews preparations for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to Hassan on November 28. Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda alleged that the Union government was doing injustice to Karnataka on many issues and 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 dismissed Tamil Nadu’s petition challenging the Mekedadu project. The Center should allow Karnataka to build a dam at Mekedat. “But the Center is not allowing us to continue. Why is it doing injustice to Karnataka?” he asked.
Referring to the project, Mahadayi said that in 2019, Karnataka had submitted an application for a water lifting project. “The project has been put on hold due to delays in obtaining environmental clearance. Why has there been no debate on this issue? Is it not related to the people of the state and their welfare?” he asked.
Similarly, with respect to the Upper Bhadra project, the Center should release ₹5,300 crore. The amount was mentioned in the Union Budget which was approved by the Parliament. “We have not even received 53 paisa from the Center for the project. Why was there no discussion on this issue?” he added.
The price of maize has come down drastically and the center has announced a minimum support price for the crop. “But why are they not giving permission to buy maize at the minimum support price? Isn’t it unfair to the farmers of Karnataka?” he asked further.
“The Center is systematically cheating the state. It’s not just the BJP Lok Sabha members; everyone in the BJP is silent on these issues. They are creating drama on the streets to project themselves as pro-farmers. Instead, let them go to Delhi and get projects approved for the state and address farmers’ issues,” he said.
Mr. Gowda, who is also the minister in-charge of Hassan district, was in Hassan to review preparations for the Chief Minister’s visit to the district, scheduled for December 6. He visited the ground of Government Engineering College where the program will be held. He later held a meeting with the officers about the preparations for the CM’s visit.
Published – 28 Nov 2025 20:21 IST
