Karnataka: Minister's legal battle against Centre over Upper Bhadra project release

BENGALURU: The ruling Congress Government in Karnataka is seriously considering to drag Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led Central Government to the Supreme Court over Union Government’s failure to release Rs 5,300 crore financial assistance for Upper Bhadra Project (UBP) it had announced in the 2023 Union Budget, stated Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil.

At a press conference in Bengaluru, Patil pointed out to budgetary speech of Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitaraman dated February 1, 2023 wherein she stated “In the drought prone central region of Karnataka, central assistance of Rs 5, 300 crore will be given for Upper Bhadra Project to provide sustainable micro irrigation and filling up of surface tanks for drinking water.”

But, he said, after the Assembly elections in May 2023 when Congress party returned to power in Karnataka for some reasons the Union Government had been hesitant in the release of Rs 5,300 crore it had assured for UPB and the Minister stated the UPB fulfilled the terms and conditions of the Union Government.

The Project also got approval at all levels. Despite meeting all the criteria, Patil has failed to get financial assistance from the Union Government and the Bharatiya Janata Party led Union Government is behaving in a partisan manner.

Over the Central Government’s not fulfilling its commitment to release Rs 5,300 crore to UPB, Patil said the issue will be taken-up in the cabinet meeting to arrive at a decision on waging a legal battle against the BJP led Central Government.

Meanwhile, Patil also pointed out a request from the State Government to Union Ministry of Jal Shakti to include Upper Bhadra Project (UPB) for partial financial assistance under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme Scheme (PMKSY-AIBP) which has been turned down by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti. The Union Ministry cited the inclusion of the project depends on availability of funds, geographical distribution under the scheme among others.

Expressing displeasure over the reply from the Union Ministry, Patil accused the BJP government of coming in the way of River Mahadayi diversion and asked the Union Government to accord environment clearance for the River Mahadayi diversion project without creating hurdles in the way.