Bommai promises ₹1 crore for each village he visits for Janata Darshan

Haveri: Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai set out on his maiden ‘village stay’ programme on Saturday alongside Union minister Pralhad Joshi and revenue minister R Ashoka, starting from Baada village under Shiggaon assembly segment in Haveri district.
Bommai reached Baada village, the birthplace of saint Kanakadasa, in his home constituency of Shiggaon, to a rousing reception. The school building in the village where Bommai spent from 4pm to 8pm was decked up. They were also taken in a procession on a decorated tractor, accompanied by cultural troupes.
After checking into a state-run school, which has been renovated for the overnight stay, Bommai held a ‘Janata Darshan’ (public interaction) to address the grievances of the people. A large number of people turned up to see the CM and submit petitions. Their demands ranged from artificial limbs for the physically challenged to pensions for the elderly.
“Grama Vastavya is a way to reach out to the people, to understand their problems, and to know the functioning of the government. I have plans to allot Rs 1 crore for each village I visit as part of the village stay programme,” Bommai said.
Haveri district administration had also made extensive preparations since last week for the CM’s visit and the minister’s stay in the village. Bommai spent more than four hours at Bada village; he had dinner at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Residential School on the outskirts of the village with students. They served jowar roti, chapati, vegetables, sweets, and rice for dinner. Earlier, the CM participated in a cultural programme.
This was the first time that Bommai took part in a Grama Vastavya, an initiative started by revenue minister R Ashoka, titled the ‘Jilladhikari Nade Halli Kade’ (deputy commissioner’s walk towards the village) programme. The village stay programme was originally started by former CM HD Kumaraswamy of JD(S). During his previous stint (2006–7), Kumaraswamy used to spend nights at villagers’ houses. When he became the chief minister in 2018–19, he decided to stay in government schools. Later, Bommai’s predecessor BS Yediyurappa adopted it. A BJP functionary said: “This will surely help the CM (in the polls) as Shiggaon is his home constituency.”
‘I should be buried in Shiggaon’
The CM delivered an emotional speech at a rally in Shiggaon-Savanur on Saturday. “I have already said this. I should be buried in Shiggaon soil after my death,” Bommai said as he broke into tears.
“People of this constituency have given a lot of love and also power to me. I have become the chief minister with your blessing. But some people may be upset because I am not accessible like before because my responsibilities have intensified in Bengaluru. I will work for the welfare of the people and this constituency till my death,” he added.