Kudachi MLA protests 'bias' in release of funds

Crying foul over the “discrimination” in the release of Nabard funds by the Water Resources Department for the year, MLA P Rajeev of Kudachi, Belagavi, staged a sit-in outside the department secretary’s office on Monday.

Rajeev, flanked by farmer representatives, attacked the government for releasing Rs 124.85 crore out of Rs 130.25 crore to 90 Congress MLAs and neglecting constituencies represented by other party MLAs. He barged into Secretary Prabhakar H Chini’s office in Vikasa Soudha, threatening to stage an indefinite protest.

His sudden entry into the corridors of power created a flutter, with the Vidhan Soudha police immediately arriving at the scene to ensure that there were no untoward incidents.

Rajeev contended that despite meeting with the chief minister and the Water Resources minister and submitting representations, his constituency had received a mere Rs 75 lakh for minor irrigation works.

The department had released Rs 3.4 crore to four constituencies represented by BJP MLAs, and Rs 2 crore to two constituencies represented by JD(S) MLAs.

Request not considered
The MLA said that he had also met Chini several times requesting that funds be distributed equally to all Assembly constituencies. As nothing concrete had emerged, he restored to registering his protest in front of Chini’s office.

Rajeev, however, withdrew his protest after being cajoled by Chini. He said that he had also spoken to the Water Resources minister over phone, and he had assured him that the government would release Rs four crore for the three to four major works immediately.

“I have asked them to give me their assurance in writing, to which they have agreed. I am withdrawing my protest for now.

“If the department fails to keep its word, then I will have to intensify my protest. I quit my job as a sub-inspector to enter politics. As elected representatives, we should have foresight when it comes to development. It is unfortunate to be a part of such a pathetic system,” he added. Rajeev is a first time MLA representing the BSR Congress party.