KALABURAGI: Piqued over the state government’s decision to recommend Mysuru and Dharwad along with Raichur as the ideal location for Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Congress leader in Lok Sabha, M Mallikarjun Kharge, on Thursday said he would fight to get the premier institution to Raichur.
“I strongly feel that Raichur should be the best place (for IIT) as it was recommended by Dr Nanjundappa committee, and it is backward. Moreover, it has infrastructure needed such as land, water, power and good road and rail connectivity. I will continue to fight to bring IIT to Raichur, but it does not mean that I am opposed to development of rest of the state. I do not bring politics into development. Did I not accompany the delegation to meet the Prime Minister for clearance to Mekedatu drinking water project? Tomorrow, if we have to fight for some project at Dharwad, I will take the lead. I am miffed with leaders like Mr Jagadish Shettar for their double standards. Is it proper on the part of Mr Shettar to be part of a delegation for establishing IIT at Dharwad when the cabinet had passed a resolution recommending the name of Raichur during his tenure as Chief Minister? All of them - Mr Siddaramaiah, Mr Shettar and Mr Joshi (state BJP chief) should agree for setting up IIT at Raichur”, Mr Kharge told media persons here on Thursday.
On the issue of running Employees’ State Insurance Corporation’s (ESIC) medical college and hospital here, Mr Kharge disagreed that the institution was facing trouble because of the Union government’s politics of vendetta.
“I am not going to either concur with the view or level such allegations against the Centre. I am pro-development. I feel the trouble with ESIC project is due to lack of awareness, time and attention. Now, that the Union Labour minister as well as principal secretary to the Prime Minister have been apprised of the matter, the former has agreed to run ESIC’s medical, dental, pharmacy and nursing colleges and hospital here”, he added.
