PWD minister HD Revanna now picks fight with deputy commissioner over potato seeds

HASSAN: PWD minister HD Revanna continued his running feud with Hassan deputy commissioner (DC) Priyanka Mary Francis and stoked fresh controversy, saying she would be held responsible should a “bloodbath” occur over complaints of non-distribution of potato seeds to farmers in the district.
“The DC is not releasing funds allocated for drought relief measures,” Revanna claimed.“The state government had granted Rs 8 crore for drought relief and an additional Rs 5 crore for drinking water, but the DC still hasn’t released the money.”
He accused district officers of a lack of transparency in utilizing the fund, claiming they were “just showing work orders”. “The monsoon is around the corner, how will the district administration distribute potatoes seeds in time?” Revanna wondered. “What measures has the administration taken in this regard? I will not be responsible if any untoward incidents or bloodbath occurs over the issue.”
He also accused the opposition BJP of hypocrisy. “On one hand, former CMs like Jagadish Shettar and BS Yeddyurappa are saying ministers should tour the state to take stock of the problems caused by drought, but on the other hand they are writing to the Election Commission requesting it to deny permission to the government to undertake any work as the model code of conduct is in force.”
‘Measures in place’
Responding to Revanna’s allegations, Priyanka said a meeting with officials concerned was conducted and necessary measures are in place. "The EC has relaxed the code of conduct and directed the RDPR minister and the CM to take necessary relief measures,” she said.
She said drinking water is not a problem since 33 villages are being supplied water through tankers. “Funds have been credited to tahsildars’ accounts for emergencies,” she said.
As for potato seeds, she said a meeting was conducted with the horticulture department secretary and about 20,000 metric tonnes of seeds are available with the department. “They are ready to be distributed to farmers,” Priyanka said.