Working on setting up major industries in Mandya: HDK

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaswamy speaking during the platinum jubilee celebrations of MySugar High School in Mandya on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday reaffirmed his commitment to bringing in major industries to the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency and said he will personally seek cooperation from the State government for the region’s development.

Speaking at the platinum jubilee celebrations of MySugar High School in Mandya, Mr. Kumaraswamy said the aspirations of Mandya’s people must be realised through unity and sustained efforts. “I was elected with the blessings of voters who transcended caste and party lines. I am committed to striving for a meaningful development of the constituency,” he said.

He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had entrusted him with a key ministerial responsibility, and that he is actively working towards establishing a major industry in Mandya. The cooperation of the State government is vital to make this vision a reality.

Mr. Kumaraswamy highlighted recent developments, including the sanctioning of ₹4 crore for the construction of Raitha Bhavan and ₹2.5 crore for Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. “It is unfortunate that political infighting has surfaced over the spending of Raitha Bhavan funds.”

On the future of MySugar High School, Mr. Kumaraswamy said it currently has around 30 students. The management had been told to get approval to start Pre-University courses to improve enrolment and prepare a detailed blueprint to transform this school into a model institution.

“I will ensure full support. The school’s rich legacy must be preserved and nurtured,” he added.

The Minister spoke about ongoing efforts to revive the Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant in Bhadravati, with a proposed investment of ₹15,000 to ₹18,000 crore and criticised the State government for allegedly creating hurdles in the revival of public sector industries like HMT. “We are determined to protect the legacy of the Mysore Maharajas and M. Visvesvaraya,” Mr. Kumaraswamy said.

Nirmalanandanatha Swami of Adichunchanagiri Math, Purushothamananda Swami, writer Krishne Gowda, former MLA K.T. Srikante Gowda, MySugar chairman Gangadhar and others were present.

Published - June 07, 2025 07:48 pm IST