Daijiworld Media Network - Bagalkot (SP)
Bagalkot, Jul 14: "I have been in politics for the last four decades. But never in the history have I come across such a corrupt government. Chief minister B S Yediyurappa, his son and ministers are busy amassing money," said leader of the opposition in the assembly and Badami MLA Siddaramaiah.
Addressing the media persons at a private hostel in the outskirts of Badami town, he further said, "The government headed by B S Yediyurappa rose to power through Operation Lotus. The ministers have been collecting ten percent of the amount involved to release grants, issue no objection certificates etc. Grants are not being given for development projects. The chief minister’s son, Vijayendra, has been heaping the money with the help of JCB. I do not understand why the people still vote for the BJP," he lamented.
When the media persons raised the topic of releasing water to 125 km canal from Kabbalageri, he said that the government is facing dearth of funds and grants are not being given for any projects. He said that for transfers, the government is collecting a lot of money and for the transfer of sub-registrar, sub-inspector etc. A sum of Rs 60 lac by way of bribe is collected," he alleged.
Siddaramaiah said that when the coalition government was in office, action plans had been prepared for Kerur lift irrigation, 18 villages drinking water project, three star hotel for tourism development, parking plaza etc. "Because I am a former chief minister, they have released grants after two to three years," he informed. He noted that a sum of five lac rupees has been released for the Badami taluk Patrika Bhavan. He promised to release more grants in the coming days.
Responding to the demand not to shift Banashankari Hampi University, Siddaramaiah clarified to the media persons that he will verify the demand. He promised to visit Banashankari during his next visit to Badami. He said that three star hotel is needed here to promote tourism, and promised to make an effort to retain Hampi University.