BELAGAVI: After A S Patil (Nadahalli), another senior Congress leader from Congress partry has come out in support of the demand of formation of separate North Karnataka state. Four times former MP SB Sidnal of Belagavi said, "I believe unless the power centre comes nearer, development of North-Karnataka (NK) region will continued to be delaying and raising voice for the development is not a crime but a democratic right."

Putting one-step ahead, Sidnal said bifurcation of the state is certain in future. But grasping the perception of NK people, CM Siddaramaiah himself should take lead in making separate state and take credit of it. Addressing the press conference here on Thursday, Sidnal said there is no difference of opinion that NK region is stood backward in terms of development. There are many reasons for it but major one is Capital in far distance.

Sidnal said his family had four freedom fighters and all of them fought for unification of Karnataka. In that context, unification was the need. But situations have far changed now. People of NK are getting deprived from various opportunities including jobs and industries because of power centre in long distance. In present situation, decentralization of administration by dividing the state is need of an hour.

Senior leader opined there is need of creating awareness about benefits if the state is bifurcated in terms of development and administration. People don’t get aware overnight but beating drums of awareness should not be stopped. There is need of educating prominent personalities like Patil Puttappa who are opposing formation of separate state, he said.

Modi did nothing:

Turning down the development claims of prime minister Narendra Modi in his past one year regime, Congress leader said he (Modi) did nothing instead giving long lectures and doing foreign tours. He also said Modi failed in fulfilling several promises he made to the people of India during Lok sabha election campaign. He also alleged Modi, who promised of not taking and not allowing to take bribe during elections for encouraging corruption by safeguarding top BJP leaders involved in corruption charges including Sushma Swaraj. Meanwhile, he appreciated CM Siddaramaiah for bringing schemes like Anna Bhagya and Ksheera Bhagya .