Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who had announced the dropping of a few ministers during the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle, however , refused to name any on Tuesday, saying they were all doing a good job.
Asked if he had zeroed in on the non- performing ministers, he said, “All of them are doing a good job. We are only doing the reshuffle to give an opportunity to others in the party as well .”
As for the party opting for an alliance with the JDS in some places and the BJP in other in local body elections, he told reporters that it had been left to local leaders. “We have not given any orders and have left it to them to decide,” he explained.
Defending his government’s handling of the drought , he claimed no government in the history of Karnataka, had tackled it so comprehensively or so satisfactorily. Rebutting BJP state unit leader, B S Yeddyurappa’s charge that ministers had failed to handle it effectively, he recalled that four sub committees led by senior ministers had visited all the districts and held meetings with the respective Deputy Commissioners, besides meeting the people affected.
Asked about BJP leader, Eshwarappa’s demand for a white paper on use of funds released by the Centre as drought relief, he claimed he was merely playing politics.
“I have clearly explained a number of times that the Union government released Rs 1540.20 crore to tackle the drought following the failure of South West Monsoon and it was sent to the respective DCs of all the districts. Later we sought Rs 723 crore to tackle problems arising from the failure of the north east monsoon but that money has not yet been released. During my recent meeting with Prime Minister, I asked him to ensure early release of the funds,” he added.
Ekalavya awards
Mr. Siddaramaiah presented the Ekalavya awards and distributed grant-in-aid to sportspersons. Exhorting the sportspersons to endeavour to win more medals in the forthcoming Olympics, the Chief Minister said, “Youth are the backbone of this country. Sports builds good health, discipline and above all, respect for the nation and patriotism. Those who win medals or even represent the nation in the Olympics, Asian Games or Commonwealth Games are proud children of this nation.”
