Excise Minister K.M. Shivalinge Gowda, who is also Minister in-charge of Hassan, inspecting the Handinakere Lift Irrigation project near Hassan on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: PRAKASH HASSAN
Minister for Excise K.M. Shivalinge Gowda, who is also the Minister in-charge of Hassan district, has said he will give attention to completing four major pending works concerning Hassan, in coordination with all elected representatives, irrespective of party affiliation.In a press conference in Hassan on Wednesday, the Minister said the construction of Hassan Airport had been delayed. Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda had laid the foundation stone for the project long ago. “Without going into the details of why it has been delayed, we will ensure the project is completed. I have raised the issue in a recent meeting with the Chief Minister as well,” he said.Similarly, the Minister said he would make efforts to secure funds from the government to complete the construction of the super-speciality hospital, and would request the Chief Minister to release the funds required to complete the project in one go.Regarding the IIT for Hassan, the Minister said suitable land had been acquired for the project; however, it would materialise only if the Centre sanctions the institute. The State government would need to put pressure on the Centre for the sanction, he said. Further, he said he would secure funds from the State to complete construction of the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex in the city.Responding to a question on the recent allegations levelled by JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna against the Deputy Commissioner, the Minister said only the Deputy Commissioner had the authority to notify the reservation of gram panchayat seats. If there were any errors in the notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner, the MLA could raise them through the appropriate legal forum, he added.Deputy Commissioner K.S. Lathakumari and others were present at the press conference. Published - August 27, 2026 08:12 pm IST
