Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jul 18: Chief minister Siddaramaiah has announced a grant of Rs 50 crore for each Assembly constituency to enable legislators to take up development works in their respective areas.
MLAs from all parties, including those from the ruling Congress, had expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of sufficient funds for developmental works. Responding to this concern, CM Siddaramaiah, in a letter to MLAs dated July 15, stated that as per the announcement made in the 2025–26 state budget under the CM Infrastructure Development Programme, a grant of Rs 50 crore will be allocated to each Assembly segment.
Of this amount, Rs 37.5 crore will be earmarked for works under the public works department, including roads and bridges in both rural and urban areas. The remaining Rs 12.5 crore can be used for other departmental works chosen at the discretion of the respective MLAs.
The CM has directed MLAs to submit project details in the prescribed format along with a requisition letter. District-wise meetings for MLAs have been scheduled on July 30 and 31 at Room 313, Committee Hall, 3rd Floor, Vidhana Soudha, where they are expected to attend with complete project proposals.
Although the circular does not explicitly state that the funds are only for Congress MLAs, opposition parties BJP and JD(S) have alleged discrimination. Official sources, however, clarified that funds will be released to all legislators.
Leader of the opposition R Ashoka alleged that there is information suggesting BJP and JD(S) MLAs may receive only Rs 25 crore. He urged the chief minister to ensure equal allocation to all MLAs to support balanced development across the state.
“Not a single developmental project has taken place in the last two years. Even Congress MLAs themselves say they are unable to face their voters. While a circular for the Rs 50 crore fund has been issued, there is still no guarantee of the same amount for opposition MLAs,” Ashoka told reporters.
Meanwhile, JD(S) has questioned whether CM Siddaramaiah considers himself the chief minister for the entire state or just for Congress MLAs.