Elected Representatives must be ready to fight beyond party lines for the development of N K region:MP Basavaraj Bommai

Sunil Lohan 

I doubt whether North Karnataka exists on this government’s map”,Bommai

Hubballi:Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai has urged for party-agnostic discussions and protests to draw the government’s attention to the development of North Karnataka.

He doubted whether this region even exists on the government’s agenda, pointing out the lack of progress in Belagavi’s legislative session.

Speaking to the media here on Sunday,the MP said people had high expectations that the Belagavi session would address the region’s issues and provide solutions.

However,the session was reduced to mere formality due to the government’ s lack of commitment,as it treated the session as a farce.

He further condemned the police’s behavior during the assembly session, particularly their actions towards BJP MLA C.T. Ravi.

The police exceeded their authority, subjected Ravi to mistreatment,and used excessive force without provocation.

This calls for an investigation into the incident, as senior officers of behaving like constables.Such actions tarnish the reputation of Karnataka’s otherwise efficient police force.

Lack of focus

Bommai criticized the government for not allowing discussions on crucial issues affecting North Karnataka, such as the Krishna,Ghataprabha,Malaprabha,and Mahadayi water disputes,as well as infrastructure projects like industries,roads,and railways.

Despite legislators raising issues like the plight of sugarcane farmers,ministers failed to respond seriously. The government repeatedly ignored the people of North Karnataka, leaving them with doubts about their place in the administration’s priorities.

The former CM appealed to all elected representatives to unite beyond party lines and hold a special meeting to address the region’s pressing needs.There is a need for collective efforts to demand action from the government.

Democratic values

He expressed disappointment over the lack of meaningful discussions on governance and development.The Chief Minister, despite being experienced,failed to conduct the assembly session effectively.The people of North Karnataka felt disillusioned and betrayed by the government.

Financial Crisis

Criticising the government’s handling of the state’s finances, he alleged that the government imposed an additional Rs.15,000 crore in taxes during the budget and introduced 8–10 new taxes afterward,including higher levies on land and vehicles.

Nearly Rs.40,000 crore in additional taxes have been collected and accused the government of planning to tax even water from the Western Ghats.Bommai sarcastically suggested that the government might even tax air in the future.

Lack of Development

Bommai accused the government of inaugurating projects initiated during his tenure.He cited examples like the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research in Hubballi,for which he claimed to have allocated Rs.70–80 crore during his government.

He urged the current administration to release the remaining funds and complete the project within six months to benefit heart patients in North Karnataka.

Bommai slammed the government for failing to address the region’s issues and called for immediate action to ensure equitable development.