Assembly winter session to begin on Monday
discussion on pressing issues in North Karnataka to take place
Belagavi: The winter session of the Karnataka state legislature, set to take place in Belagavi, begins tomorrow, marking the 13th session held in the city. This session carries a significant weight of expectations, particularly for the people of North Karnataka, who hope for meaningful discussions and actionable solutions to the region’s persistent challenges.
Despite promises over the years to address the issues plaguing the region, there remains a sense of disillusionment among the people, as previous sessions have often failed to deliver substantial results. Many view these meetings as symbolic gestures rather than opportunities for genuine progress.
One of the critical topics that require urgent attention is the Mahadayi Project. Despite the tribunal's verdict seven years ago, the project has yet to commence, as it remains stalled due to the Central Wildlife Board’s pending approval.
Similarly, the Krishna Upper River Project has become a recurring subject of discussion in these sessions, yet it continues to face delays. Although the state has been allocated a share of water, it remains largely unutilized. The long-standing proposal for an alternative dam on the Tungabhadra River also remains unfulfilled, leaving the people of North Karnataka increasingly frustrated.
Another pressing concern is the lack of industrial development in the region. With no significant industries being established, many talented individuals from North Karnataka are compelled to migrate to cities like Pune, Bengaluru, and Goa in search of better opportunities. Even initiatives like the Invest Karnataka-Hubballi program, which promised investments of ₹83,000 crore, have failed to make an impact. Confusion over land pricing and allocation has deterred industries from setting up their operations in the area, further exacerbating the problem.
Moreover, the aftermath of recent heavy rains has left many residents struggling with immense damage to their homes and crops. However, the compensation provided thus far has been inadequate, prompting widespread demands for increased financial assistance. Farmers and other affected individuals are urging the government to approve ₹5 lakh for rebuilding collapsed houses and to address the lack of proper crop damage compensation.
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BJP's main agenda is to keep minorities in fear, alleges Stalin
Chennai (PTI): DMK President M K Stalin has alleged that the BJP's main agenda is to keep the minorities in fear, and everyone is aware of what is happening in the states governed by the saffron party.
Stalin further alleged that Muslims continued to be subjected to attacks.
"Now, a situation has arisen where even Christmas could not be celebrated peacefully. Christians are being targeted. The entire country is a witness to what is happening in Manipur. The BJP's plan of action is that a state of insecurity for minorities should spread like a wildfire across the country," he told PTI in an interview.
That was why it first enacted the CAA, and the next was an amendment to the Waqf law, and now it is "desperate" to amend the FCRA, he alleged, and lashed out at AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami.
"Palaniswami, who supports all these three amendments and has formed an alliance with the BJP, does not have any concern for the welfare of minorities. However, the DMK is always firm in its commitment to ensure that India must always be a secular state; that people belonging to all religions must be equally respected and that the Constitutional safeguards conferred on minorities must be upheld. If any of these is threatened, the DMK will be the first party to raise its voice against it," he said.
Denying that the BJP made the minorities feel insecure, BJP state vice president M Chakravarthy said the chief minister was making the allegation due to the "fear that the Christian and Dalit votes would go to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam led by actor-politician Vijay."
He was depicting the BJP as a bogeyman in an attempt to create unnecessary apprehension among the minorities, the BJP leader told PTI.
On FCRA, Chakravarthy asked, "What's wrong with ensuring accountability in the use of funds?"
