No need for new state if pending grievances are addressed: Umesh Katti

Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s controversial statement on the ability of North Karnataka to fund its own projects, has led to a raging controversy and even triggered the call for a North Karnataka bandh, though it failed to make much of an impact. But the statement has definitely rekindled statehood sentiments though the coalition partners JD(S) and Congress tried to turn the tables on the BJP saying former ministers Umesh Katti and B. Sreeramulu were the prime movers of this campaign, intended to embarrass the coalition.

Mr Katti, one of the so-called ‘villains’ in this episode, spoke to Deccan Chronicle and raised issues which he felt, demanded answers from the government-particularly the failure of the previous Congress government to bring industries to the N-K region.

Here are excerpts from his interview.

You along with B. Sreeramulu, have become fall guys in the north Karnataka statehood controversy. Both former chief minister, Siddaramaiah and the incumbent, H.D. Kumaraswamy targeted you and Mr Sreeramulu..
Let them say whatever they want to say but their lackadaisical attitude towards North Karnataka projects and programmes is more than evident. That’s why people are upset. For instance, Mr Siddaramaiah did not complete the Upper Krishna Project (UKP).

What was the primary reason that made you take up the statehood campaign?
I will make one thing clear. I am not the one for a separate state. There is no need to create a new state if they address the pending grievances. I am for a united Karnataka. Do not ignore our contribution in making Bengaluru a big city. Let Bengaluru be the capital, no issues. But let them ensure all round development of the state.

Both the Congress and JD (S) claim no injustice was done to North Karnataka...
It is sad to say that the Congress party, after joining hands with the JD(S) to form the government, is singing the same tune. Let us take the case of Upper Krishna Project. The height of Almatti dam could have been raised after the tribunal's final award gave us that right. As result, we could not utilise 130 tmc of water allocated to us. After the final award was delivered, the BJP government was in power and we gave cabinet approval for nine irrigation projects. But what happened later? The Siddaramaiah government did not do anything for five years. There are nine projects which are due for implementation in the Krishna basin and some of the proposed projects are lift irrigation projects for which we have to make jackwells and other facilities. Surprisingly, former water resources minister, M.B. Patil built canals without going for full project implementation. The government needs to acquire 50,000 acres of land. They did not do anything. Anyone who is acquainted with this issue can easily say that UKP was
not only mishandled, rather they swindled money openly. Is this not injustice? The Siddaramaiah government miserably failed to bring any big industry to this part of the state. If injustice has not happened, then why does large scale migration happen from here? Why does South Karnataka not witness such a phenomenon?

What about other sectors?
I can give you an example from my own constituency, Hukkeri. I think 244 rooms in various schools are in a dilapidated state. Who will be responsible if these rooms collapse when the children are inside? Of the 1,500 teachers' posts, over 300 are vacant. I wrote several letters asking for a primary health centre. Then, I spoke to the minister and the officer concerned. Nothing happened. Now, you tell me, what can we do? It is quite natural that people will get upset. I will tell you another interesting fact The previous government acquired 1,700 acres of land near my constituency for setting up industry. And another 3,000 acres of land was acquired near Dharwad. You, as a government, have a duty to attract investors here. Why do you want to promote industries around Bengaluru? If that is your intention, then why did you acquire land here?

What about sports and other activities?
You know a new stadium was built by KSCA in the heart of the city in Belagavi. Unfortunately, not even a single big state level event was hosted there let alone hosting a national match or event.

But Mr Kumaraswamy keeps saying that voters of North Karnataka did not remember him while casting votes but are now asking for everything. How do you want to react to this?
(Laughs) Frankly, they did not have good candidates. Neither his father, H.D. Deve Gowda nor he came for campaigning. Then, how can you expect people of North Karnataka to vote for your party?

Is there a desire in you to become CM if a new N-K state is formed?
I told you very clearly that if they wipe out injustice, no one will demand a separate state. I can also give you in writing on bond paper that neither I nor my son will become CM. We are not interested. Let them develop these areas. That is more than enough.

You were a minister for some time. What did you do for North Karnataka?
I was given the horticulture portfolio. I brought the Horticulture University to Bagalakote. And Basavaraj Bommai was the water resources minister. He did a good job in the irrigation sector in this region.

Do you think moving departments to Belagavi will give more thrust to development?
Yes, certainly. They can move the agriculture department here, they can bring the sugar directorate. Similarly they can bring some more departments. That will certainly help.