The Kalyana Karnataka Horata Samiti has urged the newly formed government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the comprehensive development of the Kalyana Karnataka region by preparing a time-bound roadmap and scientific action plan covering key sectors such as irrigation, industry, roads, transport, education, employment, tourism and sports.

The demand was raised at a core committee meeting of the organisation organised at the Dasoha Mahamane of the Sharanabasaveshwara Temple in Kalaburagi on Sunday under the chairmanship of honorary president Basavaraj Deshmukh.

Speaking at the meeting, samiti president Laxman Dasti reviewed the achievements and unfulfilled aspirations of the region since the implementation of Article 371(J).

He expressed concern over what he termed the unclear approach of the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB) and the delay in establishing a Ministry exclusively for Kalyana Karnataka already announced by the State government.

The committee urged Ministers Priyank Kharge, Eshwar Khandre and Sharan Prakash Patil to take the lead in ensuring the region’s development through a structured and time-bound programme.

Activist R.K. Hudgi suggested holding consultations with Mr. Kharge and submitting a comprehensive development proposal, while participant Basavaraj Kumanur said that the KKRDB is deviating from its original objectives and called for an early meeting with its chairman, secretary and district in-charge Ministers.

The committee adopted a 10-point resolution seeking immediate filling of vacant posts across government departments and educational institutions, including Gulbarga University and other higher education institutions, in the region. It also demanded preparation of a five- or 10-year scientific development plan for Kalyana Karnataka, completion of ongoing irrigation projects before launching new ones and construction of the proposed Kalyana Path road network, including a four-lane road connecting Bidar and Ballari.

The organisation further called for development of tourism destinations between Basavakalyan and Basavana Bagewadi as recommended by the Govindrao Committee, expansion of Ministerial representation from the region, completion of the Krishna irrigation project through better Central government involvement, construction of at least five flyovers in Kalaburagi, establishment of an AIIMS in Raichur and expeditious compensation for Karanja project-affected families in Bidar district.

The meeting also resolved to organise seminars and awareness programmes on Article 371(J) in universities and colleges across the seven districts of Kalyana Karnataka. A meeting of prominent leaders from all seven districts has been scheduled in Kalaburagi on June 13 to finalise the campaign.

Among those present were Rauf Khadri, Manzoor Deccani, Rizwan Siddiqui, Raju Jain, Kalyanrao T., Bhimashetty Mukka, Muttanna Nadageri, Mukhtar, M. Binningappa, Baburao Ganvhar, Aslam Chounge, Baba Fakruddin, Shailendra Biradar, Vinay Kumar Shastri, Devendra Kumar K. and Vijay Kumar Patil.