Hubballi: Besides relying on the “Modi wave” in North Karnataka, the BJP is focusing on the “neglect” of the region by the JD(S)-Congress coalition government to help its chances in the constituencies here this Lok Sabha poll.
The party, which hopes to retain the constituencies it already represents in the region and win more, is also trying to capitalise on the rift between the workers of the coalition partners, who are upset at their seat-sharing arrangement.
Targeting the coalition government for “neglecting” North Karnataka in its budget, a few BJP leaders like Umesh Katti, and B Sriramulu have even been backing those calling for a separate statehood for it.
Other BJP leaders claim funds are being given to Hassan, Mandya and other districts of South Karnataka while North Karnataka continues to suffer in all sectors , including irrigation, health and transport due to the government's apathy.
“Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has been doing injustice to North Karnataka, which is evident from the funds released to the region since his government came to power. The BJP will not tolerate this partisan approach and will inform the voters about the failure of the coalition government to give priority to implementing major projects of the region,” said BJP leader, Basavaraj Bommai.
Rebutting the BJP charges, Congress and JD(S) leaders claim the coalition government has only cleared the long pending projects of Hassan and Mandya districts.
“Funds have been released to North Karnataka as well for development of roads,” said JD(S) leader, N H Konareddy, adding, “Several projects, including for irrigation, are underway in the region and North Karnataka’s farmers are the highest beneficiaries of the government’s loan waiver scheme.”
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