Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has blamed the Congress for delays in implementing the Upper Krishna Project (UKP). Speaking to presspersons in Bagalkot on Saturday, he urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to present strong legal arguments in the Supreme Court. Bommai highlighted historical delays and contributions by non-Congress governments.
In Bagalkot on Saturday, MP and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai addressed presspersons, blaming the Congress for delays in the Upper Krishna Project (UKP). He advised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar against politicising the issue and to instead ensure robust legal arguments in the Supreme Court for a favourable order for Karnataka.
"Phase 1 of the project received orders in 1975 following the Bachawat Tribunal award, when Congress was in power at the Centre. However, it took 14 years just to prepare the DPR," Bommai said.
Bommai announced he would release comparative data on progress under Congress and non-Congress governments, claiming non-Congress regimes had contributed the most to UKP implementation.
Responding to Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayaraddi's claim that the Centre had not issued a gazette notification, Bommai said Rayaraddi often forgets facts. He noted Rayaraddi had previously deemed the Krishna B Scheme unfeasible yet later inaugurated a water supply project for his constituency.
Bommai explained that Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have all approached the Supreme Court, with arguments from three states completed. Once hearings conclude, the tribunal's order will be treated as a Supreme Court decree. Leader of Opposition R. Ashok and others were present.