If Mekedatu Project Becomes a Matter of Political Prestige, It Will Harm the State’s Interests: MP Basavaraj Bommai

” Obtaining Approval from the Centre Harmoniously Will Help in the Legal Battle”

Bengaluru Express:
Bengaluru Nov 18 :
Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai said that if the State Government seeks approval for the implementation of the Mekedatu Project from the Central Government with trust and harmony, it will be beneficial for the legal battle ahead. But if politics is mixed into this issue or if political prestige is attached to it, it will harm the interests of the state.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Tuesday, he said, the Mekedatu project has been a long-standing dream of the people of our state. It began in 1996 as a power project. When he was the Irrigation Minister, it came to light that many areas would be submerged. He changed the plan and got a revised DPR prepared. Had the Congress not undertaken the padayatra, the project would have reached an advanced stage by now. Because of their padayatra, Tamil Nadu filed a miscellaneous case. He know that Tamil Nadu will not withdraw the case. Therefore, they must complete every stage very intelligently. With the ongoing developments, if there is any deviation, Tamil Nadu will again approach the court. ” I urge the Central Government that for the project to receive approval in CWMA, it must first be approved in CWRC. While granting approval, the process should resume from where it previously stopped,” he said.

The former CM reiterated that if the State Government obtains approval for this important project from the Centre with trust and harmony, it will be beneficial in the legal battle. Bringing politics into this or making it a matter of political prestige will harm the interests of Karnataka.

Start Maize Procurement

The MP said Maize is grown in most parts of Karnataka. Last year, 54 lakh metric tonnes were produced on 15 lakh hectares. This year, 54 lakh metric tonnes have been grown on 17 lakh hectares. About 2 lakh hectares of the crop have been damaged. Farmers are not getting a good price for the crop this year. Last year, maize fetched over ₹2,000 per quintal. This year, the price has fallen to ₹1,400, putting farmers in distress. Since maize is cultivated widely in 19–20 districts—unlike sugarcane which is limited to 6–7 districts—the livelihoods of a large number of farmers are at stake. The Centre has already fixed MSP at ₹2,400. The State Government should purchase maize at a higher price. Officials say they will send a report to the Centre, but that is unnecessary. If the State purchases the crop, the Centre will not reject it. There are many past examples where the State procured the crop first and then sent a report to the Centre.

Bommai said Maize is not a perishable commodity. It can be stored and sold later when prices rise, and the money can be recovered. If there is any loss, the Centre will compensate. Therefore, without delay, the government must procure maize immediately and stand with the farmers. It should not continue its anti-farmer stance.

Asked about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bommai said, if the Chief Minister shares complete details of the meeting with the Prime Minister, they will extend all necessary cooperation.

When asked about the government’s focus on Cabinet reshuffle and leadership change instead of people’s issues, he said the State Government should set aside concerns about reshuffling or changing the Chief Minister and start working for the people—at least now.