Karnataka CM Shivakumar Unveils Rs 2,200-Crore Projects for Hiriyur Ahead of Bypoll

CHITRADURGA (KARNATAKA), Nov 3: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday announced development projects worth Rs 2,200 crore for the Hiriyur Assembly constituency, where a by-election is expected following the death of Congress MLA D Sudhakar in May.

Speaking at a public gathering in Dharmapura of Hiriyur taluk, Shivakumar said the government had issued orders for projects across various departments to accelerate development in the constituency. He was addressing the event after laying the foundation stone for a new Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus stand.

Emphasising his government’s commitment to the region, the Chief Minister said the development package had been prepared to address infrastructure requirements and public demands across towns and villages.

He credited Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre with taking the initiative to facilitate the projects. The government had also compiled a comprehensive list of road infrastructure needs throughout the constituency, he added.

Shivakumar announced Rs 5 crore for a community hall for the Vokkaliga community. Financial assistance would also be extended for similar facilities for the Golla community, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other Backward Classes, along with the construction of a Kanaka Bhavana.

He said the Social Welfare Department had already issued orders for community halls catering to different communities.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s plan to distribute five lakh residential sites to landless families during the current year. In areas where government land was unavailable, the administration would acquire private land to fulfil the objective.

He added that applications received through the ‘Praja Seve’ initiative would be considered, while special efforts were underway to regularise property documents and complete pending land subdivision procedures.

On agricultural support, Shivakumar said the annual allocation for supplying free electricity to farmers’ irrigation pump sets had increased from Rs 22,000 crore to Rs 30,000 crore. The rise in expenditure was attributed to increased power consumption, particularly amid drought conditions.

More than 200 taluks had been declared drought-affected, and the government was aware of the challenges confronting the farming community, he said.

The Rs 3.5-crore KSRTC bus stand at Dharmapura is among the infrastructure projects being undertaken in the region.

Shivakumar further said approval had been granted for an irrigation project demanded by local residents. The tendering process had been initiated, and water had already been released on a trial basis.

He described the decision to fill lakes in the Dharmapura Hobli region as a significant step towards improving irrigation facilities and supporting agricultural activities.

Referring to the Congress government’s five guarantee schemes, the Chief Minister maintained that his administration had honoured its electoral commitments despite criticism from opposition parties.

He listed free electricity of up to 200 units for households under Gruha Jyothi, monthly assistance of Rs 2,000 to women heads of families under Gruha Lakshmi, free bus travel for women under Shakti, 10 kg of rice under Anna Bhagya and financial assistance to unemployed graduates and diploma holders under Yuva Nidhi.

Targeting the BJP and JD(S), Shivakumar questioned the Centre’s failure to release the Rs 5,300 crore announced for the Upper Bhadra Project.

He pointed out that the allocation had been announced during Basavaraj Bommai’s tenure as Chief Minister, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman making the commitment in the Union Budget. However, the promised amount had not been released, he alleged.

The Chief Minister also said his government was examining the demand for a separate taluk, taking into account the population and the hoblis that could be included in the proposed administrative unit.

Recalling his close association with late MLA D Sudhakar, Shivakumar said he had visited Hiriyur with a heavy heart. He remembered Sudhakar as a leader who worked beyond caste and religious divisions and remained committed to public welfare.

He also recalled that Sudhakar had expressed happiness at his elevation as Chief Minister shortly before his death.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar revealed that four separate surveys had been commissioned to identify the most suitable Congress candidate for the forthcoming by-election. The Hiriyur Assembly seat became vacant after Sudhakar’s death in May, and the Election Commission has yet to announce the polling schedule.

Former MLA Poornima Srinivas and her husband Srinivas, who recently joined the Congress after leaving the BJP, were also present at the programme. Shivakumar welcomed their decision, saying they had recognised the party’s contribution to the state’s development.

Making a direct appeal to voters, the Chief Minister urged residents of Dharmapura Hobli to strengthen the Congress’s position in the bypoll.

Recalling that the region had previously secured Sudhakar’s victory with a margin of around 6,000 votes, he challenged voters to ensure at least 15,000 votes for the party this time.

“Hiriyur constituency is as important to me as Kanakapura constituency. I have pledged to serve you, and we will honour that commitment,” he said.

Assuring residents of continued attention to their concerns, Shivakumar said he would personally examine the petitions and grievances submitted during the programme. He also urged Congress workers and supporters to communicate the government’s development initiatives to people across the constituency.