Wed Jun 25 04:00:07 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Karnataka’s Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, has requested the Union Government’s financial assistance to develop Badami into a significant international tourist destination. He instructed an MLA to prepare a detailed project report and send it to the Centre. This comes amid concerns from Congress leaders about the availability of funds for development projects due to the state government’s focus on welfare schemes. Dr. Parameshwara later clarified that his earlier statement, implying a lack of funds, was made jokingly.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Seeks Central Funding to Transform Badami into Global Tourist Hotspot**

Belagavi, June 25, 2025 – Karnataka’s Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, has appealed to the Union Government for financial support to develop Badami into an international tourist destination. Speaking at the inauguration of a new Fire and Emergency Services station in Badami on June 23rd, Parameshwara instructed MLA Bheemasen Chimmanakatti to prepare a comprehensive project report, estimating the cost at ₹1,000 crore, and submit it to the central government.

The request comes amid concerns from within the Congress party regarding funding availability for large-scale projects. Some leaders have expressed reservations about the state government’s ability to finance such ventures, citing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s focus on welfare programs and free benefits for the public.

“We do not have that kind of money for massive projects. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s government has distributed money from its coffers to the people in the form of free food and other benefits,” Parameshwara had stated earlier.

However, in a clarification issued on June 24th in Bengaluru, Dr. Parameshwara downplayed his initial remarks. “I did not mean to say that we have run out of money,” he told reporters. “I said legislators should seek money from the Centre, as we do not have that kind of money for big projects. My comment was in jest.”

The development of Badami, known for its historical and architectural significance, is viewed as a priority by the state government. The request for central funding highlights the delicate balance between welfare commitments and infrastructure development in Karnataka. The request has been sent to the Centre, and it is now awaiting an answer.

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