Dr.Thomas (Special Correspondent)
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that if BJP is concerned about farmers,BJP MPs should prevail upon the Centre and get the relief release to the state instead of criticizing the state government.
He was speaking to the media in Koppal today.Responding to the media’s question as to why the central government is delaying the release of drought relief,the government has submitted a request for drought relief of Rs.17,900 crore.
The central government is showing a step-motherly attitude towards Karnataka by not giving time to meet the state ministers and not releasing the amount.
He said that the central government has not released the wages of about Rs.600 crore under NREGA scheme.
Discussion on selection of Chairmen to Boards and Corporations :
Replying to the question on why central leaders visited Bengaluru,the CM stated that the Central Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala and Venugopal visited to discuss about upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Discussions were also held regarding appointment of chairmen to Boards and corporations,the CM said.
District Ministers responding to the hardships of the people:
Responding to former Chief Minister B.S.Yediurappa’s statement that no minister is visiting the districts regarding drought management,the CM said that all the district ministers are visiting their respective districts, listening to the grievances of the people and responding to their hardships.
900 crore released for drinking water:
Rs.900 crores has been released by the state government to solve the drinking water problem.He said that the district collector has already been given a grant to provide drinking water system in the district and if there is demand,the government will provide the grant immediately,he said.
Subsidy to Agricultural pumpset will be continued:
Replying to a question on subsidy for agricultural pump sets being stopped for farmers,the CM said that this matter is related to agriculture department and it will be looked into.The CM assured that subsidy to agricultural pumpsets will be continued.
BJP day dreaming:
Replying to an allegation that Congress’s corruption is coming to light due to the investigation agencies,the CM said that,these are false allegations.
Reacting to BJP MLA Yatnal’s statement that the Government would fall the CM said that BJP is day dreaming.
Reacting to former CM B.S.Yediyurappa’s statement that Siddaramaiah’s administration is not good as his previous tenure,Yediyurappa has taken political retirement.
He was asked to step down from the CM post by the BJP.He has shed tears while he departed as CM,I will not react to his statements the CM said.
No one will be sent from the Government:
Reacting to a question on Congress MLAs going on a trip to Dubai,even when there is drought,the CM said that they are going by spending their money.The Government is not sending anyone,he said.
To complete 5 years Administration:
The CM expressed belief that the Government would complete it’s 5 years.We will go to elections again and people will aging vote for us,he said.
Reacting to a question on Ramesh Jarakiholi,the CM said that he is sitting at home after losing in election and speaks nonsense.The CM refused to comment on the matter .
5 guarantees implemented despite BJP bankrupting the State:
We have fulfilled our promise of implementing the 5 guarantees,despite BJP bankrupting the state economically.We have kept our promise,the CM said.