Mon Jul 14 13:26:38 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended his government’s development record in Indi, Vijayapura district, highlighting the launch and foundation stone laying of projects worth approximately ₹4,559 crore. He challenged the opposition BJP and JD(S) to a public debate, promising to present documented evidence of the government’s development initiatives across the state. The CM also emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting farmers, particularly lime growers, through initiatives like the Karnataka State Lime Development Board (KLSDB). Congress MLA Yashwantrayagouda Patil requested the establishment of a regional development board for the Kittur Karnataka region and additional funding for the KLSDB. The launched projects include irrigation projects, a market in Indi, and Jal Jeevan Mission projects. Foundation stones were laid for lift irrigation, canal extensions, roads, bridges, and a training college.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka CM Defends Development Record, Challenges Opposition to Debate**

**Belagavi, July 14, 2025** – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today strongly defended his government’s development initiatives in the Indi region of Vijayapura district, launching and laying the foundation stones for projects totaling approximately ₹4,559 crore.

Speaking at an event in Indi, the Chief Minister directly addressed criticism from the opposition BJP and JD(S), accusing them of falsely claiming the government was running out of funds for development. “Today, we launched developmental projects worth around ₹4,559 crore in Indi in a single day. What more proof is required that we are treading a path of development?” he stated. He emphasized that the government had set aside ₹83,000 crore for development projects, separate from its guarantee schemes.

In a bold move, Mr. Siddaramaiah challenged opposition leaders to an open public debate, promising to provide documented evidence of the government’s development work across the state. “I will demonstrate, using proper documents, that we have taken up several development projects in every region. Let the people of the State decide,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s focus on supporting farmers, particularly lime growers, through the newly launched Karnataka State Lime Development Board (KLSDB). He stated that the KLSDB was created to “organise lime farmers and help them get better prices for their produce and promote entrepreneurship”

Congress MLA Yashwantrayagouda Patil, speaking at the event, praised the Chief Minister’s commitment to development and requested the establishment of a regional development board for the Kittur Karnataka region, citing its status as a backward region needing special attention. He also called for additional funds and projects for the KLSDB.

Key projects inaugurated today included 19 lakes built at a cost of ₹232 crore, a mega market in Indi town costing ₹30 crore, and Jal Jeevan Mission projects worth ₹110 crore. Foundation stones were laid for the Sri Revanasiddeshwara lift irrigation project (over ₹3,000 crore), Tidagundi branch irrigation canal extension and pipeline canals (₹534 crore), roads and bridges (₹331 crore), and a Government Tool room and Training college (₹73 crore).

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and several other ministers were also present at the event.

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