CM Announces Centre Anti-People, Plans to Address Issue After Bypolls, Elections, Monsoon, Next Bypolls

By K. GOPALAN, BUREAU STAFF · March 31, 2026

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched bypoll campaign in Bagalkot, noting that the Centre's failure to notify the tribunal verdict affecting farmers would be taken up immediately after the current election cycle, the next election cycle, and several other pressing matters requiring his attention.

BAGALKOT — Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday termed the Centre "anti-people" for not notifying the tribunal verdict on water sharing, a development he said would be addressed with utmost urgency following the completion of bypolls, the subsequent Assembly session, the monsoon season, Dasara preparations, and the bypolls expected in early 2026.

Speaking at a rally in Bagalkot, Mr. Siddaramaiah noted that farmers had been awaiting compensation for four years under the previous BJP government, and would now need to wait only until the State government completed its current priorities, which officials estimate should conclude by late 2027 or early 2028, barring unforeseen election schedules.

"The Centre's indifference to farmers is shocking," said Mr. Siddaramaiah, who has served as Chief Minister for a combined six years across two terms. "When we return to power after these bypolls, we will immediately form a committee to study why the previous committee formed in 2019 did not submit its findings, and take appropriate action as per guidelines."

Party workers distributed pamphlets detailing the government's commitment to farmers, which included a timeline showing compensation would be released "in a phased manner" beginning in the next fiscal year, subject to the Centre notifying the verdict, the State receiving its share of funds, and the concerned authorities being directed to work out modalities.

Asked why his government had not pursued the matter during its 18 months in office, a senior minister speaking on condition of anonymity said the question was "politically motivated" and reflected a lack of understanding of governance, which requires addressing issues at the appropriate time, specifically during bypoll campaigns in affected constituencies.

"The CM thinks about farmers constantly," said a party spokesperson, reading from prepared remarks. "He has mentioned them at least twelve times this month alone, which represents a 400 percent increase over the previous quarter and demonstrates unprecedented commitment to agricultural issues."