Prove allegations against me, Minister tells Congress

Minister for Higher Education C T Ravi has demanded the Congress District President to either prove the allegations he has made against him on lake development work or seek apology for the statement, in public.

Speaking to media persons on Tuesday, he said that he had earlier told of responding to the allegations soon after the Belgaum session. “Now that the session is over, I am ready to appear before the media and give justifications, if the MP and Congress District President are ready to visit the spot.”

“Rupees 2.4 crore has been released under the NABARD and RRR Scheme for the rejuvenation of Rameshwara lake. The cement lining work of two channels of Uppalli and Gowri cannals of Rameshwara lake  is in progress. Contractor Narayan Shetty has completed the work and received the bill. Rs 20 lakh has been reserved for desilting the lake.

The work will be taken up under MGNREGS and there has been a delay in taking up the work due to the water that has filled the lake.

But the Congress leaders are making false allegations that the billing for the pending work too has been paid,” flayed the Minister.

Briefing about other lake development work in the district, he said the Nagaralu lake development work has been completed at a cost of Rs 33.50 lakh.

Chief Minister has granted Rs five crore for the development of lakes. The work has been completed as per the guidelines framed by the government. The amount has been released as per the rules, after the third party inspection of the work. 

Hinting at the double standards of Congress leaders, he asked why the Congress leaders do not question about the railway over bridge which has been poorly constructed using the Central government’s fund.

To a query on complaints about the crushing units at Marle, he said he would instruct the shifting of the units if the district administration identifies the safer zones.

He also said that he has instructed the Deputy Commissioner to issue  a final notice to Mahaveera Constructions which has been given the contract to construct Dattapeeta concrete road.

“I would never make allegations on somebody for political reasons. Our sole intention is to win the next election. I am confident of winning the forthcoming elections,” he said.