People of Karnataka voted the Congress to power in 2023, trusting the party to deliver on its promises and protect the state’s interests. But what has Karnataka received from the BJP-led Union Government in return? 📌₹5,300 crore for the Upper Bhadra Project remains withheld, despite the project receiving national priority status. 📌Karnataka was forced to approach the Supreme Court to secure its rightful drought relief, instead of receiving timely assistance from the Centre. 📌The notification on the 2013 Brijesh Kumar Tribunal award has been delayed, keeping Karnataka’s interests hanging. 📌AIIMS for Karnataka remains unsanctioned despite repeated demands. 📌The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission were not fully honoured, resulting in an alleged loss of around ₹11,000 crore to Karnataka. 📌The Mahadayi issue continues to remain unresolved, with necessary wildlife/environmental clearances are being deliberately held up. 📌Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Karnataka’s greatest cultural treasures, was not included in the Centre’s development list of 15 archaeological sites. This is particularly disappointing when even Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has publicly expressed concern over the poor maintenance and hygiene at Hampi. 📌The proposed high-speed rail network has left large parts of Karnataka out, with connectivity largely limited to Bengaluru and select areas towards Kalaburagi. And now, another issue has been added to the list. Karnataka has repeatedly given the BJP a strong mandate in the Lok Sabha, electing one of the highest numbers of BJP MPs since 2009. Yet, when Karnataka asks for its rightful share, resources and projects, the state is made to wait, fight and repeatedly knock on the doors of the courts and the Union Government. Karnataka gave the BJP MPs. Karnataka gave the BJP political strength. Karnataka gave the BJP representation in Delhi. But what did Karnataka get in return? Stepmotherly treatment..! The people of Karnataka deserve representation that delivers, not representation that is used only to win elections. I strongly feel that bringing the South Railway’s Mangaluru under the South Western Railway’s Mysuru Division is perhaps the only genuinely applauding work they have done for Karnataka.

Vijayapura have produced considerable sporting talent. Former Congress MLC Prakash Rathod represented the Karnataka cricket team, while Rajeshwari Gayakwad, who hails from Vijayapura, has represented India in international cricket. Despite such talent, Vijayapura still does not have a single turf cricket ground. This raises an important question: shouldn’t the government at least develop a proper turf cricket facility, along with practice pitches, in the district? The facility need not initially meet international standards. It could be developed to a level capable of hosting Ranji Trophy and other first-class matches in the future. Vijayapura has sufficient land and water resources to support such infrastructure. With the right facilities and investment, Vijayapura and the wider Bagalkot region could provide a strong platform for the next generation of cricketers. An initiative of this kind would not just develop sporting talent; it would create a lasting legacy that people of the region would remember for generations to come.