Karnataka HM G Parameshwara.
Credit: DH Photo/S K Dinesh
Badami (Bagalkot dist): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has no funds to take up development of Badami in Bagalkot district.
He then advised locals and elected representatives to prepare a mega project of Rs 1,000 crore and submit it to Union government for overall revamp of the historical town of Badami.
Speaking after inaugurating the new building of the Fire & Emergency Services Department in Badami on Monday, Parameshwara said: “The proposal should be sent to Centre as we don’t have funds… Siddaramaiah has no money now because we have given everything to you in the form of rice, dal and oil.”
The home minister’s statement gains significance following multiple MLAs within Congress raising concerns over the lack of allocation of funds for development of their constituency. NWKRTC Chairman and MLA Bharamgouda (Raju) Kage had gone a step forward and threatened to resign over this issue.
Incidentally, Siddaramaiah had represented Badami assembly constituency in his previous term.
“I am told that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lots of money, some of which he has to pay us. If the proposal is sent to Union government then the entire Badami, which has more than 1,500 years of history can be conserved and developed,” said Parameshwar.
He also said that he was not “happy” with the kind of facilities at Badami cave temple complex as they lack basic facilities. “There are no toilets, especially for women, restrooms or sit outs for the visitors. I have spoken to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials, under whose care the heritage monument is. Hopefully, the central government allocates Rs 1000 crore and develop the entire town,” he said.
Parameshwara praising the art at the cave temples said Badami represents the religious tolerance of our past. “Our ancestors were so tolerant of other religions. A Jain temple was allowed to be constructed next to a Hindu monument. Today, the minute a proposal to construct another religious building next to a temple comes up, there are complaints raised. It also results in murders and communal disturbance. Badami should become our inspiration for religious tolerance,” he said.