Karnataka CM, Dy CM In Delhi To Raise Issues of State With Centre: Surjewala

Bengaluru: A meeting by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar with Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Thursday was termed ‘imaginary’ by Karnataka in-charge and general secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC) Randeep Singh Surjewala, over speculations of a change of leadership.

It is speculated in political circles, especially in the Congress party, that the meeting with Rahul Gandhi by Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar is important to pave the way for drastic political developments in the coming days. But, Surjewala in a chat with reporters in Bengaluru, stated that “this is purely imaginary” and “I have no knowledge of such a meeting.”

Surjewala said the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are in New Delhi to raise several issues of the State Government and people of Karnataka and stated, “it is the duty of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to place their demands before the Union Government on behalf of Karnataka.”

“Yes, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar traveled to New Delhi yesterday in order to raise issues of people of Karnataka with the Government of India,” said Surjewala.

“As you are aware, there is a design discrimination in the Bharatiya Janata Party and Union Government led by Narendra Modi against Karnataka for voting BJP out of power. That hatred is magnified by denying Karnataka various projects,” he further said.

He pointed out that “the Kalasa-Banduri project has not been given permission, the construction of Mekedatu balancing reservoir across River Cauvery is delayed by the Union Government, GST funds are denied to Karnataka and (legitimate) share in the Finance Commission are denied (among others).”