Major allocations announced for Davanagere and Bagalkot in budget ahead of bypoll

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a series of development projects and financial allocations for Davanagere and Bagalkot in the state budget for 2026–27, presented in the Assembly on Friday.

The announcements come at a time when by-elections are expected in key constituencies of the two districts following the demise of senior political leaders. The seats fell vacant after the death of veteran leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa and former minister H Y Meti.

For the Davanagere region, the government has proposed a ₹100 crore development package aimed at improving infrastructure in areas with a significant population of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minority communities in the Davanagere South Assembly constituency.

The budget also includes ₹64 crore for constructing a cold storage facility with a capacity of 12,000 metric tonnes for processing and preserving horticulture products in the district. Officials said the project would help farmers store produce and improve market access.

In addition, the Primary Health Centre at Mayakonda in Davanagere taluk will be upgraded to a Community Health Centre to strengthen healthcare services in rural areas. The government also announced the establishment of a Matsyadarshini outlet in Davanagere to promote fish consumption and ensure hygienic fish products for the public.

To support education among backward class students, the government plans to establish a 150-capacity hostel in Davanagere. Infrastructure development will also include the construction of a new bus stand and depot for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation at Honnali.

For Bagalkot district, the government said steps would be taken to acquire land required for the Krishna Upper Bank irrigation project. Although the allocation amount was not specified, officials indicated that the project would be taken up in phases.

The budget also proposed starting a government medical college in Bagalkot and completing the Kerur lift irrigation project. Modernisation work on the Malaprabha Left Bank Canal in Badami taluk has also been planned.

Additionally, labour residential schools will be established in Bagalkot, Badami, Hunagund and Mudhol to support children from working-class families.

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