Hubballi: Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday inspected the integrated sports complex built under the Smart City project and urged the state government and Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) to immediately decide on its maintenance.
Joshi inspected the facility, played badminton, and visited the shooting hall, kusthi hall and other blocks of the stadium. “As per the call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speed up important works in the constituency, I inspected the stadium,” he told reporters.
At a cost of Rs 175 crore, the 22-game sports complex can host international-level events, he said. So far, the project has achieved 95% physical progress and 91% financial progress.
He said the land belonged to the HDMC, but it could not be run by the state or HDMC and should instead be managed by an NGO or sports companies. “This is a unique project and it should not remain unused,” he added, stating that the inauguration date is yet to be fixed.
Reacting to cross-voting, Joshi said the party’s national leadership had taken the issue in the Legislative Council elections seriously and appropriate action would be taken against those who voted under the lure of money. A committee has been formed under BJP leader C.T. Ravi, he said, adding that those elected by the party should remain loyal.
On RSS, Joshi said some people were under the illusion that attacking the organisation would help them become chief minister. He said Sangh leaders had already responded to the issue of registration and that the discussion was irrelevant. Referring to minister Priyank Kharge, he said he was a minister because Mallikarjun Kharge was the AICC president, and added that his statement should not be given importance.
Joshi also warned of a possible 40% rain deficit in the country, which could lead to drinking water shortages and crop damage in the state. He urged the state government to act within 15 days and instruct district commissioners to take precautionary measures. “Otherwise, the party will fight. There is no soft stance towards the government,” he said.
After inspecting bypass works, Joshi said the widening of the NH-4 bypass was progressing slowly due to land acquisition issues. He said 83% of the work had been completed and that technical hurdles had delayed the start, but the project would be finished soon.
