'Yettinahole has become a come tomorrow project': HD Kumaraswamy attacks Karnataka govt
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy criticises the Karnataka government for the 12-year delay in the Yettinahole water project, calling it a 'come tomorrow' scheme.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, launched a scathing attack on the Karnataka government on Tuesday, accusing them of failing to deliver on the long-promised Yettinahole drinking water project. Speaking in Mulbagal, the former Chief Minister alleged that the residents of Kolar and Chikkaballapur have been fed nothing but empty assurances for the last 12 years.
"This government will not be able to provide Yettinahole water to Kolar and Chikkaballapur. People are being told water will come today or tomorrow. For these districts, Yettinahole has effectively become a 'come tomorrow' project," Kumaraswamy stated, expressing deep frustration over the project's stagnation.
Pipeline vs. Water: The Core Issue
Kumaraswamy pointed out a fundamental flaw in the government's approach, arguing that infrastructure without resources is a waste of taxpayer money. He noted that while laying pipelines is a visible task, it serves no purpose if there is no water to flow through them.
"Anyone can lay pipelines. But where is the water? Merely laying pipelines amounts to nothing more than spending money. Do not betray the people of Kolar and Chikkaballapur," he warned. He recalled being present during the foundation stone ceremony in 2013-14, noting that despite promises made by then-CM Siddaramaiah that water would arrive within a year or two, the project has failed to progress beyond Hassan.
Reservoir Confusion and Capacity Cuts
The Union Minister also highlighted significant inconsistencies regarding the proposed reservoir near Devarayanadurga. He raised concerns over the shifting technical specifications of the project, noting a lack of clarity that has left locals in limbo:
- Initial announced capacity: 10 TMC
- First reduction: 5 TMC
- Current reported capacity: 2 TMC
He added that for the past three years, the administration has repeatedly claimed that water would be released by the following June, yet no progress is visible.
Drought Relief and Economic Concerns
Turning his attention to the state's welfare claims, Kumaraswamy questioned the effectiveness of the government's "guarantee schemes." He challenged the administration to reveal how many farmers have actually received the announced Rs 2,500 drought relief.
"If guarantee schemes have strengthened people economically, why are drought-hit people still crying?" he asked. He cited reports of farmers lacking daily wage work, leading to people locking their houses and migrating in search of survival.
He further criticised the political atmosphere in the state, alleging that since Siddaramaiah returned as Chief Minister, the focus has shifted toward internal power-sharing and determining the next Chief Minister rather than addressing public grievances.
Land Policy and Urban Development Critiques
The former CM also took aim at Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s Vision 2037 and Vision 2047 plans. He alleged that the push for integrated townships is a move designed to artificially inflate land values. Kumaraswamy drew a comparison to his own tenure, noting that when he proposed townships in 2006, he faced backlash for land acquisition, yet the current government has notified 7,500 acres without providing clear benefits or jobs to the local youth of Kolar and Chikkaballapur.
Milk Prices and Social Justice
Regarding the rising cost of living, Kumaraswamy expressed a balanced view on milk prices. While he stated he has no objection to a hike, he urged the government not to pass the entire burden onto consumers. He suggested increasing the Rs 5 incentive for farmers to Rs 10, to be paid directly to producers, calling it a potential "sixth guarantee."
He also leveled serious allegations against Minister Priyank Kharge regarding the allotment of government land to the Siddhartha Trust, questioning why a Lokayukta probe has not been ordered despite High Court directions. He accused the government of using the rhetoric of Buddha, Siddhartha, and Ambedkar while primarily serving family interests.
Political Alliances and Police Usage
Addressing the future of the BJP-JDS alliance, Kumaraswamy dismissed rumors of a split, stating that while minor grassroots differences exist, final decisions rest with party leadership. He welcomed the stance of B.Y. Vijayendra regarding early seat-sharing talks in Kolar.
Finally, he accused the Congress government of misusing the police force to file false FIRs against opposition workers, particularly concerning Form-7 issues, which he argued should be handled by the Election Commission rather than law enforcement.