JD(S) not CPY did most irrigation work in Ramanagar: HDK

Ramanagar, NT Correspondent: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy claimed that the irrigation work done in Channapatna town in particular and Ramanagar district in general was due to the JD(S). He tried to downplay the role of Congress candidate CP Yogeshwar a five-time Channapatna MLA who has claimed the mantle of “adhunika Bhagiratha” (modern version of the king in Hindu mythology, who is said to have brought down Ganges to earth) and “niravari nayaka” (a leader who put irrigation works in place). Yogeshwar is credited with rejuvenation of lakes in Channapatna taluk. However, Kumaraswamy alleged that he filled 107 lakes compared to Yogeshwar’s 17.

He added that the Iggalur reservoir was completed under JD(S) patriarch HD Devegowda. The Union minister made the remarks while welcoming local Congress leaders into the JD(S) fold in Channapatna taluk of Ramanagar district on Friday. “If filling water into 17 lakes earns someone the title of Bhagiratha, then what do you call someone who has filled 107 lakes?” Kumaraswamy asked. “As Chief Minister and MLA for five years in Channapatna, I filled water in 107 lakes. Let them check the records. They claim to have filled 17 lakes, but why ignore the 107 that I worked on? Why not tell the truth?,” he added.

Kumaraswamy also invoked Devegowda’s legacy. “If Deve Gowda hadn’t built the Iggalur reservoir, could they have filled those 17 lakes today? That reservoir is a lifeline for the people of Channapatna and Ramanagara taluks. So, what do they call Deve Gowda? What do they call me, who filled water into 107 lakes? Are we going around boasting about being Bhagirathas?” he asked.

Local Cong leaders jump ship; A number of Congress leaders from Channapatna joined the JD(S), including Geeta Shivaram.