Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar on Friday accused the Karnataka government of stalling major development works in his constituency by withholding crucial grants and delaying administrative approvals. Addressing a press conference in Belagavi, he said several flagship projects, including the Belagavi–Kittur–Dharwad railway line, the CITIIS 2.0 solid waste management project, the AMRUT 1.0 wastewater treatment plant at Halaga, and AMRUT 2.0 lake and park rejuvenation works, have slowed to a crawl due to the state’s failure to release funds on time.
He noted that although the Centre has sanctioned ₹927 crore for the new railway line, the Dharwad KIADB has yet to release ₹149.28 crore in compensation for 406.16 acres of land, even after six years. Similar delays, he said, have affected compensation for an additional 19.09 acres at Halaga for a 70-lakh-litre sewage treatment plant. “Even payment for 1.12 acres has not been cleared,” he pointed out. Belagavi also lost a ₹135 crore grant under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry for an advanced solid waste management project due to what he called “administrative lapses” by the state.
Shettar said he has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking the immediate release of pending dues and urgent approval for the development of Sri Kshetra Yellammana Gudda. A separate request to the Tourism Department Commissioner is still awaiting a response. He added that he has now escalated the issue to the Central Government, seeking intervention to ensure the completion of pending projects.
The MP alleged that “administration in Karnataka has collapsed,” accusing the Chief Minister of deliberately blocking funds meant for Belagavi. He further criticised AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, saying he appeared “unable to resolve” the ongoing turmoil within the Congress. Shettar claimed that the strained relations between CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar have pushed the state to a point of crisis. “If this continues for three more days, President’s Rule should be imposed,” he said.
Amid the growing political confrontation, the BJP announced it will move a no-confidence motion against the state government during the Belagavi session. Shettar said the Congress government’s guarantee schemes have increased financial pressure, resulting in stalled development works across the state.
Responding to discussions on separate statehood for North Karnataka, Shettar said the demand has existed for decades but should not be handled impulsively. “Some groups came to me seeking my signature, and I asked them to first place it before the appropriate platform. No one returned,” he said. While acknowledging regional disparities, he insisted that a detailed study is essential before considering any such step.
BJP state vice-president Anil Benake, city president Geeta Sutar, former MLA Sanjay Patil, spokesperson M.B. Zirali, and Belagavi City Corporation ruling group leader Hanumant Kongali were present.
