Bengaluru, April 8 (UNI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday criticised the central government for the delay in providing drought relief to the state, citing Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's acknowledgment that the announcement of general elections contributed to it.
"Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the announcement of general elections delayed drought relief funds to Karnataka. By saying this, she has admitted that drought relief is delayed and the Centre has done injustice to Karnataka. She was accusing the state of not doing enough for drought relief," he told reporters after a meeting with apartment owners in Rajarajeshwari Nagar.
Shivakumar also accused the Centre of injustice towards Karnataka and questioned the connection between elections and drought relief. "What is the connection between elections and drought relief?" he asked.
Sitharaman said on Saturday that there was a delay in providing drought relief to Karnataka and it was not intentional because the Union government had to seek permission from the Election Commission.
"We submitted our drought relief appeal four months ago. There was no Model Code of Conduct for four months after our appeal. Now she is giving the pretext of a code of conduct. People are aware of the injustice of the Centre. This justifies D K Suresh's 'Our tax our right' campaign, thanks to her," Shivakumar said.
He also responded to comments made by former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy regarding the Mekedatu project, accusing him of previous inaction on the matter.
"Kumaraswamy is talking about Mekedatu and Mahadayi now, but he didn't do anything about it when he was in power. When we were on a padayatra for Mekedatu, he ridiculed us for taking out the yatra to eat kababs. He is now talking about a padayatra. It looks like Mandya heat is affecting him," Shivakumar said.
He emphasised his commitment to delivering the Mekedatu dam for the benefit of the people and criticised Kumaraswamy's sudden interest in the project.
Kumaraswamy, in his response, highlighted his government's efforts during his tenure regarding the Mekedatu project and questioned Shivakumar's actions during previous governments regarding the Mahadayi project.
"In 2018-19, during my tenure as a minister in the government, we submitted the Comprehensive Project Report (DPR) to the Centre for the Construction of Mekedatu. It's surprising not to have this information; it's almost a ritual. As for the pen-and-paper tempo that people have given, I'm not aware of it.
"Back in 2006-2007, the Mahadayi project was approved by the Cabinet, Rs100 crores were sanctioned, and the foundation stone was laid. Then there was your own @INC Karnataka government for 5 years. What were you doing, Shivakumar?" Kumaraswamy posted on X.
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