Mandya, April 7 (IANS) Former Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai has expressed confidence that the BJP will win both the Bagalkot and Davanagere by-elections, stating that the results will serve as a direction indicator for state politics.

He said that in the coming days, public sentiment against the state government will turn into a strong anti-incumbency wave.

Speaking to the media in Mandya on Tuesday, Bommai said the state government has completed three years in office and its “true face has been exposed.”

He alleged that there is widespread public dissatisfaction and opposition across the state. “BJP candidates will win in both constituencies,” he said.

Responding to a question on the gas shortage issue in the state, Bommai accused the Congress of attempting to aggravate the situation.

He said Food Minister K.H. Muniyappa had earlier taken a correct stand but questioned why he was now making different statements.

Referring to the global situation, Bommai said several countries are facing disruptions due to ongoing conflicts, affecting the availability of petrol and diesel. He added that despite the war continuing for around 30 days, there has not been a major crisis in India.

“The Central Government has managed the situation well, and the state government should have appreciated it,” he said, adding that creating unnecessary controversy would serve no purpose as people are aware of the facts.

He also hit back at the Congress by recalling the situation during the Iraq war, when the party was in power at the Centre. “They should remember how within two days, vehicles were lined up for kilometres in front of petrol bunks,” he said.

Later, speaking after participating in a dharna and satyagraha held against the proposed merger of Geddalagere Gram Panchayat with Maddur Town Municipality in Mandya district, Bommai criticised the state government for allegedly acting against the will of the people, saying that in a democracy, governance must reflect public aspirations.

“In a democracy, the will of the people is final, and the government must function accordingly. Here, the government is acting against the people. This is condemnable,” Bommai said.

He added that merging a gram panchayat into a municipal body without the consent of the people is unconstitutional and goes against both constitutional principles and public sentiment. He assured protesters of his support for their agitation.

Bommai recalled that decentralisation of power was introduced in Karnataka under leaders like the late Ramakrishna Hegde and the late Abdul Nazir Sab. Referring to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, he said it provides for the establishment of gram, taluk and zilla panchayats and the devolution of powers to them.

He noted that the legislation had undergone extensive debate in the Assembly before being passed unanimously, followed by approval from the Governor and later the President after initial delays.

He said former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had initiated efforts to bring in the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which were later passed during the tenure of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.

The 73rd Amendment clearly defines the powers and responsibilities of gram panchayats, including authority over housing, though he alleged that Members of the Legislative Assembly often interfere in these matters.

He questioned whether the issue had come to the notice of the Chief Minister and expressed concern that even if it had, deferring to local legislators undermines the authority of the office.

Bommai also highlighted initiatives taken during his tenure, including financial support for farmers’ children.

He said about Rs 450 crore was distributed to nearly 11 lakh students from Class 8 to the postgraduate level. He credited farmers for ensuring food security in the country despite population growth.

Bommai was also felicitated at a programme held in Elechakkanahalli village of Mandya taluk. The event was organised to honour him for facilitating the plan to fill water from the Lokapavani River under the Elechakkanahalli lift irrigation project during his tenure as Water Resources Minister and later as Chief Minister.

Bommai said that the recognition and respect given by people are greater than any award, and such honour inspires one to make every sacrifice. He added that the people of Mandya had bestowed upon him a respect even greater than an honorary doctorate.

–IANS

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