The bout between JN Ganesh and Anand Singh was personal: Krishna Byre Gowda

Mysore​: Rural development department minister, Mr Krishna Byre Gowda, dismissed the brawl between legislators J N Ganesh and Anand Singh as one triggered by personal reasons, while ruling out any link with decisions taken by the Congress.

He told the media here on Wednesday:.”We are hurt by the problem caused to Mr Anand Singh. A committee was formed led by the DCM to get clarity about the incident. The incident has embarassed the party. We are not in a position to lose any MLAs. The BJP will make the best use of such situations, I don't think they will stop ‘Operation Kamala.’ Yet, we had to take tough decision to suspend Mr Ganesh. Such incidents must not happen. We will ensure such incidents are not repeated," he added.

The minister also said: "160 taluks are being declared drought hit. Besides Rs 2400 crores allotted for drinking water projects, an additional Rs 134 crores are being released to manage drinking water crisis in various places. Water is being provided in 800 tankers in several places. We had set a target to provide 8.50 crore man days of work under MGNREGA, but with drought we now have target to provide jobs of 10.50 crore man days. Already 7.70 crore man days are being created," he added.