Karnataka CM alleges ‘Betrayal’ as Centre delays ₹5,300 Cr bhadra project funds

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday accused the Centre of “betraying” the state by failing to release funds for the long-pending Bhadra Upper Canal Project, while asserting that his government has balanced welfare guarantees with development and maintained a strong fiscal position .

Speaking after inaugurating a ₹36-crore bridge across the Bhadra backwaters connecting Handuru and Narasimharajapura, the Chief Minister rejected opposition claims that the state’s treasury has been strained by its flagship guarantee schemes. “ Development has not come to a standstill . We have ensured progress alongside the implementation of guarantees,” he said, arguing that welfare measures themselves constitute development by empowering citizens economically and socially.

The Bhadra Upper Canal Project, a major irrigation initiative in central Karnataka, aims to provide water to drought-prone districts such as Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Davanagere, and parts of Shivamogga. The project is expected to irrigate lakhs of hectares of farmland and stabilise existing irrigation systems by diverting water from the Bhadra reservoir. The Centre had announced an allocation of ₹5,300 crore in the Union Budget 2023–24 to support the project under a special grant.

However, the Karnataka government has alleged that no funds have been released so far . Siddaramaiah termed the delay a “betrayal of the people” , stating that the project is critical for farmers in arid regions.

The Centre, however, has maintained that the release of funds is subject to procedural clearances and compliance with guidelines, including detailed project reports, utilisation certificates, and adherence to norms under centrally sponsored schemes. Officials have indicated that funds are disbursed in phases after due verification , not immediately upon announcement.

Defending his administration’s fiscal management, Siddaramaiah said Karnataka’s growth rate stands at 8.1 per cent , higher than the national average of 7.14 per cent. He also criticised the BJP for “misinformation” on the state’s finances , noting that ₹1.30 lakh crore has been spent on guarantee schemes without compromising development works.

The Chief Minister also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the “Achche Din” promise , while alleging that the Centre has not fully honoured recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, causing financial strain to the state .

Responding to demands by BJP state president B. Y. Vijayendra for a white paper on the economy, Siddaramaiah said such statements reflect a lack of understanding of budgetary processes, urging people to ignore what he called “misleading claims” by the opposition .