New Delhi: Former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda has threatened to launch a protest in Hassan on Saturday to pressure the Karnataka government to supply water for drinking purpose in parts of Hassan city.
He told reporters here on Thursday that he was forced to take a decision in this regard as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah failed to keep his word on supplying water to Hassan on the eve of Maha Shivarathri. “Mr Siddaramaiah only talks tough, but has lost control over officers,” he added.
The JD (S) patriarch urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to approve a grant of Rs 500 crores for ‘Maha Mastakabhisheka’ festival on February 18, 2018, during his meeting with the leader. “We are planning to meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. The state will also have its share, but New Delhi should contribute for a festival held once in 12 years, which attracts a large number of people from all over the world,” he said.
This was Mr Gowda’s second meeting with Mr Modi in less than a month. Mr Gowda urged Mr Modi to release grants for various activities connected with the festival.
“We sought funds for construction of connecting roads in Hassan district for the benefit of people participating in the festival. Besides, we urged the PM to look into acute water scarcity the district is facing,” he said.
