Karnataka’s Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda inspected the highway by-pass work in Hassan on January 16, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Minister for Revenue Krishna Byregowda, who is also minister in-charge of Hassan district in Karnataka, took the officials of National Highways Authority of India, a Central Government agency, to task for the delay in completing work on a bypass, which is a part of the four-lane National Highway 75 connecting Hassan and Maranahalli in Sakleshpur taluk.
When an official pointed out that the delay in completing the work was due to delay in acquiring a portion of land, the Minister wanted to know why there had been no progress with regard to the land already handed over to NHAI.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
During his visit to Sakleshpur, on January 16, the Minister inspected the work at Hassan and enquired the officers about the delay. Unhappy with their response, the Minister told them: “Why have you learnt to speak only lies? Is this your organisational culture? Who sent you all here? Do we have to listen to all such crap from you, putting aside our self-esteem.” He questioned if the official sent similar reports to seniors in the Central Government.
“Why have you learnt to speak only lies? Is this your organisational culture? ”Krishna ByregowdaMinister for Revenue, Karnataka
When an official pointed out that the delay in completing the work was due to delay in acquiring a portion of land, the Minister wanted to know why there had been no progress with regard to the land already handed over to NHAI. “Of the 10 km-long stretch, leave out the stretch not handed over so far. Why have you not completed the work on the remaining eight kilometres? The land required for the project was acquired and handed over to the agency as early as in 2022,” the Minister replied.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the officer’s reply, the Minister termed the official’s response as exhibiting extreme dishonesty and showing irresponsible behaviour.
The Minister was accompanied by Arsikere MLA K.M. Shivalinge Gowda, Hassan DC K.S. Lathakumari, and some other officials.
Published – January 16, 2026 02:56 pm IST
