Ajay Singh celebrates 71st Kannada Rajyotsava in Raichur
Minister Ajay Singh highlighted the state's cultural heritage and discussed drought mitigation and development works during the celebrations.
Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology and Raichur district in-charge Ajay Singh addressed the 71st Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations at the Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium in Raichur on Sunday. According to The Hindu, Dr. Singh unfurled the national flag and praised the leaders and freedom fighters of the Karnataka unification movement.
Dr. Singh recalled that Deputy Chennabasappa initiated the unification movement in 1856, leading to the creation of the unified Mysore State on November 1, 1956. He noted that the state was renamed Karnataka by then Chief Minister D.
Devaraj Urs on November 1, 1973.
Addressing drought, the Minister stated the state government declared 226 taluks, including all in Raichur, as drought affected. Raichur district recorded a 49 per cent rainfall deficit, receiving 222.5 mm of rainfall against the normal average of 439.6 mm during the monsoon season.
Under the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board, an action plan for 890 development works worth ₹622.35 crore has been approved for Raichur district for 2025-26. So far, 61 works are completed and 394 are in progress, with ₹178.03 crore spent.
The Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development Department has executed 1,890 works, including check dams and lake developments, costing an estimated ₹874.09 crore between 2023-24 and 2025-26. Dr. Singh also noted that Raichur district secured the top position in the state for generating 82.83 lakh person-days under rural employment schemes.