Jagadish shettar blames state govt for delay in railway projects

Belagavi: Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar on Sunday accused the Congress-led state govt of delaying key railway projects, including the proposed Belagavi–Dharwad line, due to alleged non-cooperation and administrative failure.Addressing reporters at his office, Shettar claimed the state govt lacked funds to provide compensation for land acquisition related to railway works. "The govt is financially bankrupt. There are no expectations from the state budget," he said.He alleged that the Belagavi–Dharwad railway project was being stalled over the acquisition of 55 acres near Dharwad, and claimed that minister Santosh Lad was obstructing the process.Referring to the recent stone-pelting incident during Shivaji Jayanti celebrations in Bagalkot, Shettar termed it unfortunate and alleged deterioration in law and order. He claimed the real culprits were not identified and accused the administration of shielding those responsible.On the Lokayukta raid against MLA Dr Chandru Lamani, Shettar alleged the action was pre-planned and politically motivated. He also referred to a previous raid on MLA Sampangi, claiming that Dalit leaders were being selectively targeted.Commenting on national politics, Shettar criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his conduct at an international AI summit in Delhi, alleging immaturity and inconsistency in his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.He further cited remarks attributed to minister Satish Jarkiholi regarding corruption and percentage deals in govt works, and said any registered cases should be impartially investigated and the guilty punished.