DK Shivakumar challenges BJP to join him in seeking irrigation funds from Centre

Raichur, Oct 22:

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday challenged BJP leaders in Karnataka to accompany him to Delhi to mount collective pressure on the Central government for funds to expedite the state’s key irrigation projects.

Speaking at a meeting of Congress party workers at Panchamukhi in Raichur, Shivakumar said, “If state BJP leaders truly care for Karnataka, let them come with me to Delhi to demand funds for the Upper Krishna, Mekedatu, Mahadayi and other irrigation projects.”

The Deputy Chief Minister accused the Union government of ignoring Karnataka’s farmers, saying that despite repeated requests, no funds had been released for irrigation schemes. “I have met Union Ministers and the Prime Minister, but to no avail. The Centre has not released the ₹5,300 crore that was announced in the budget,” he said.

Calling on party workers to strengthen the Congress organisation at the grassroots, Shivakumar said, “We exist if the party exists. The real leader is the one who takes responsibility at the booth level. The organisation is above individuals.”

Highlighting the government’s welfare initiatives, he said Karnataka was spending over ₹1 lakh crore on various social and guarantee schemes, several of which have been replicated by BJP-ruled states. “The Congress party has always brought welfare schemes for the people — from mid-day meals to pension and rural employment programmes,” he said.

Referring to national leaders, he said, “The Congress has not lost elections wherever Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra went. Sonia Gandhi sacrificed the Prime Minister’s post twice when others cling to power. Mallikarjun Kharge now holds the same position that Mahatma Gandhi did a century ago. He ensured the inclusion of Article 371J, which continues to benefit all people of this region.”