Bengaluru : Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed confidence that he would continue as CM and present three more budgets before the term of the State government ends. The budgets will stress on the overall development of the State, he said.

After laying foundation stones to several developmental works at Megalakoppalu village, in Periyapatna taluk of the district, he said, “I have presented 10 budgets till date as finance minister. This is the highest number for any minister. I will continue to be Chief Minister for the next three years and will present three more budgets,” he said.

Even though the Opposition Parties had criticised the budget as pro-Dalit and Ahinda, he said, the Budget has tried to satisfy the demands of all communities.

Siddaramaiah said, the State government would implement a project to fill 120 lakes in Periyapatna taluk with Cauvery River water, in order to ensure drinking water and to revive the groundwater in the region.

Several taluks of the district, such as Mysuru, Hunsur, Periyapatna and Nanjangud face water shortage. To address it, multi-village water schemes, with water drawn from rivers are being taken up. Water crisis of 80 villages have been addressed till date, he said.

Anticipating water crisis this summer, the district administration has made arrangements to tackle the problem. Necessary funds have been sanctioned and officials have been directed to address the concerns in rural areas on a priority basis, he said.

Siddaramaiah also unveiled the statue of freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna at K R Nagar taluk. He said, the government is working towards developing Nandagada in Khanapura taluk, where Rayanna was born, as a tourist destination.

He said, the government has already set aside Rs 10 crore for Sangolli Rayanna Authority and works will be initiated to popularise the freedom fighter.

Noting that sugarcane farmers in K R Nagar were facing problems after the closure of Srirama Sugar Factory, he said, a tender has been invited to restart the factory and operate it for 35 years.