Hubballi: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the Prime Minister has not responded for the all-party delegation which has written a letter seeking the Prime Minister’s time to press the Center about all the projects including Mahadayi, Upper Krishna and Cauvery dispute.
Speaking to the media at the Hubballi Airport on September 9, CM Siddaramaiah said that “Although the state government is ready to launch the Mahadayi project, the forest and environment clearance has not been obtained from the central government”. He added that all related reports have been sent to the Centre.
Responding to the report’s questions that JDS is BJP’s B team he said, “They got annoyed with me when I said that JDS is BJP’s B team. The Janata Dal, a party that claims to be secular, has united with the communalists. Former Prime Minister Deve Gowda used to say that he would not join with other parties for any reason. But MLA G T Deve Gowda is saying that he is joining hands with BJP for the survival of the party shows that JDS party has no ideology. They have proved that they are ready to do anything for power”.
Reacting to a question on the farmers protesting against the irregular power supply, the CM said there was not enough rain in August, pumpsets should be properly maintained in summer. Due to this, a large amount of electricity is consumed. He said that measures are being taken to supply electricity by purchasing electricity from outside to solve the problems of farmers.
Speaking about not inviting Congress leader Mallikarjuna Kharge for the G20 meeting in New Delhi, he said that Mallikarjuna Kharge is officially the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and it is wrong not to invite him to the G20 meeting.
A request has been submitted to the Center to revise the guidelines for providing relief to drought declared areas, but no response has been received so far. In the drought declared areas, the state government undertakes many measures including drinking water, assistance for sowing. But he said that timely help should come from the central government as well.
Responding to party fans hoping for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to become Prime Minister, in a democracy, anyone can become a Prime Minister. Modi became a Prime Minister, directly from being the CM of Gujarat. He said that he has no interest in National politics.
Reacting to the issues of Hijab, halal, hindutva and sanatana dharma which have cropped up when elections are round the corner, the CM said that hijab and halal cases are in the court. He said the cabinet has taken a decision to conduct an enquiry regarding the uniforms distributed to children under Vidyavikas scheme from Karnataka textiles organization. Since payment is also made, it has been decided that concerned people will be held responsible. Enquiry is underway and action will be taken for repayment of the amount from the concerned, he said.