Rather than rake up Muda, BJP should clear Mahadayi: Deputy CM DK Shivkumar

BENGALURU: Deputy chief minister DK Shivkumar asserted that BJP should prioritise securing approvals for the Mahadayi project and procuring funds for the Upper Bhadra initiative, rather than dredging up issues such as irregularities by Muda or the arrest of actor Darshan Thoogudeepa.


Shivakumar specifically targeted Union food and public distribution minister Pralhad Joshi, who had attacked the state govt for attempting to deflect attention from the Valmiki corporation scam and disseminating images of Darshan smoking inside Bengaluru’s central jail, where he is being held for murder.

At his residence in Bengaluru on Ganesh Chaturthi, Shivakumar asked Joshi “with folded hands” to facilitate procurement of approvals for Karnataka’s drinking water and irrigation projects.

The National Wildlife Board, which is headed by Prime Minister NarendraModi, at a recent meeting decided to defer a decision on the Mahadayi issue on the grounds that the matter is sub-judice. A petition by Goa, a riparian state, is pending in the Supreme Court.

Shivakumar said he will confer with chief minister Siddaramaiah on the issue and decided on a course of action within the next 15 days. Deliberations will likely revolve around convening an all-party meeting or summoning a commission meeting to determine the nature of their struggle for Mahadayi.

Reacting to a challenge from K Sudhakar, BJP MP, toensure flow of Yettinahole water to Chikkaballapur and Kolar within the next two years, Shivakumar enthusiastically accepted the challenge, emphasising that it is “his duty and responsibility” to accomplish this objective.
‘Not an easy project’
Joshi, on Sunday, responded to accusations of discrimination against Karnataka on the Mahadayi issue and said he has spoken to the National Wildlife Board and asked it to “reconsider” its decision.

“I was told that some two lakh trees have to be cut for the project,” Joshi said. “It is not an easy project. Besides there is a Tiger corridor that comes in the way. The Tiger Conservatory Authority had delayed its report and thus it was deferred. We are doing our job to ensure the project is not delayed any further.”
Joshi said BJP was committed to the project and that it was Congress that had delayed the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project.


DKS off on a private trip to us


Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday left on a week-long trip to the US. Sources said his visit to America is on the invitation of a trust involved in social service there, but Shivakumar said it is a private tour and that he is travelling with family members.

In a letter to Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress president, he said he is going to Washington and will be back on Sept 16. “There are no official engagements in America and I have no plans to meet any dignitaries,” he said.