Congress Criticizes Modi Government Over Delayed Railway Project and Unpaid MGNREGS Wages in Karnataka

The Congress party has questioned the Modi government's delay in the Bagalkote-Kudachi Railway line project and the non-payment of MGNREGS wages to workers in Karnataka. Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary, raised several issues ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Bagalkote on April 29, 2024.

According to Ramesh, the Bagalkote-Kudachi railway line project, originally sanctioned in 2010-11 at a cost of Rs 986 crore, has now seen its cost increase to Rs 1,649 crore. Despite the Karnataka government providing the land for the project free of cost and contributing 50% of the construction cost, only 33% or 46 km of the 142 km line has been completed so far. The project is now scheduled for completion in 2027, an 11-year delay from its original timeline.

Why this matters: The delay in the Bagalkote-Kudachi Railway line project and non-payment of MGNREGS wages emphasize the challenges faced by infrastructure development and rural employment schemes in India. These issues have significant implications for the economic growth and welfare of the affected regions and communities.

Ramesh also questioned the delay in the Upper Bhadra and Mahadayi projects, which are essential for expanding drinking water and irrigation access in the drought-affected state. The Congress leader asked when the Modi government will pay the MGNREGS workers in Karnataka their wages, as the state government has sought to increase the number of working days under the scheme to alleviate the drought-related stress on the rural economy.

"Is this delay because of the Modi government's incompetence or is it a case of its 'anti-Karnataka tendencies' which we have seen in the past as well?" Ramesh questioned, referring to the Bagalkote-Kudachi Railway line project's delay.

The Congress party has criticized the Modi government for holding up the Rs 5,300 crore grant announced in the Union Budget for the Upper Bhadra Project and the deferment of clearance for the Mahadayi-Kalasa Banduri Nala Project. Additionally, the party has raised concerns about the non-payment of Rs 1,600 crore towards the wages of MGNREGS workers in the state.

As the Congress party continues to question the Modi government's handling of crucial infrastructure projects and rural employment schemes in Karnataka, the state awaits the Prime Minister's response during his rally in Bagalkote. The timely completion of the Bagalkote-Kudachi Railway line and the release of funds for the Upper Bhadra and Mahadayi projects, along with the payment of MGNREGS wages, remain critical issues for the drought-affected state.

Key Takeaways

• Congress questions Modi govt's delay in Bagalkote-Kudachi Railway line project
• Delay in project completion from 2016 to 2027, with only 33% of 142 km done
• Congress also raises issue of non-payment of MGNREGS wages to Karnataka workers
• Delays in Upper Bhadra, Mahadayi projects impacting water, irrigation access
• Congress accuses Modi govt of 'anti-Karnataka tendencies' on infrastructure, schemes