Karnataka Congress MLA HR Gaviappa recently voiced strong concerns over what he described as inadequate funding for his Vijayanagar constituency, pointing out a significant disparity in the distribution of development funds. Despite being a member of the ruling Congress, Gaviappa expressed frustration with the state government, highlighting that his constituency received only ₹22 crore in funding, a fraction of what nearby areas were allocated. Of this amount, ₹12 crore was specifically designated for constructing a district hospital, leaving limited resources for other pressing development projects.
Gaviappa's criticisms raise questions about the state's financial priorities and the fairness of the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board's fund allocation. He noted that neighboring constituencies secured funding in the range of ₹60-70 crore, suggesting that Vijayanagar was being unfairly overlooked. This has led to pressure from his constituents, who have begun to question his ability to deliver on local development needs.
His remarks come amid assurances from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar that the state has ample resources and that development projects should not face financial hurdles. Gaviappa's statements, however, suggest a disconnect between the official narrative and the reality on the ground, hinting at possible strains due to pre-election spending promises.
The MLA also criticized the district in-charge minister for failing to address these concerns, calling for a fairer and more transparent distribution of funds. In an effort to back up his claims, Gaviappa released official documents highlighting the funding discrepancies and urged the state government to ensure equitable allocations for the newly formed Vijayanagar district. His comments underscore a growing demand for greater accountability in how state resources are managed and distributed, particularly in regions still grappling with the need for infrastructural development.