CM attacks Shah over non-release of drought relief funds, says he has no moral right to seek votes
Mysuru, Apr 2: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claimed on Tuesday Union Home Minister Amit Shah has no moral right to seek votes from the electorate, as he accused the BJP-led government at the Centre with betraying and doing justice to the people of the State over the issue of delay in release of drought relief funds in particular.
He said BJP's alliance partner and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy should have asked Shah, who is on a visit to the State for Lok Sabha election campaigning, to give drought relief assistance to the State.
"Let Amit Shah come or Narendra Modi (PM) come or J P Nadda (BJP President) come. Let any one come. Amit Shah is the head of the high power committee, has he given drought relief? What moral right does he have to ask for votes from the people of Karnataka?" Siddaramaiah asked while talking to reporters here.
"Has he (Shah) given drought relief? Amit Shah is its Chairman (high powered committee). Have they (Centre) given -- permission to the Mekedatu project, environmental clearance to the Mahadayi project, compensation as recommended by the 15th finance commission, Rs 5,300 crore promised to Upper Bhadra project? Why should people vote for them? Amit Shah actually, he has no moral right," he added.
ALSO READ: CM Siddaramaiah defends son's controversial statement against Amit Shah
Karnataka has declared in 223 out of 240 taluks as drought-hit; 196 of them were categorised as severely drought affected.
It's been five months since his government first approached the Centre seeking drought relief but not even a rupee has been given to the state, the Chief Minister said. Three memorandums have been given since October; also the central team had come for inspection and they had submitted their report to the union government.
"I had personally met PM Narendra Modi on December 19, Amit Shah on December 20, he had said he will call a meeting and decide on December 23 itself. How many days have passed since then? Did they give? It has been five months till now they have not given drought relief. Is Amit Shah giving the money from his house? Is it a 'Bhikshe' (alms)? It's our money, our tax money," the Chief Minister added.
More than BJP leaders, Kumaraswamy has become the party's spokesperson, when issues concerning injustice to the state by the Centre are raised, Siddaramaiah said. "Tell me, whether it is injustice and betrayal to seven crore Kannadigas or not?"
"Definitely the people of Karnataka will teach a lesson. Don't people understand ? they should understand," he added.
Shah on Tuesday held a joint meeting with BJP-JD(S) coalition leaders. He will also be attending meetings and programmes of BJP before holding a road show in Channapatna in the evening.
Asked about the Election Commission notice to his son Yathindra for his comments against Shah, Siddaramaiah said: "he has replied to it."
"His (Yathindra's) comments were based on a CBI report. I have already said this, there is no need for me to give further clarification," he said.
Addressing a party meeting in Hanur town of Chamarajanagar district recently, Yathindra, a former MLA, allegedly said: "Home Minister Amit Shah is a goonda, rowdy, there was a murder charge against him in Gujarat and he was exiled, and (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi did politics keeping such people next to him...."
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13 lakh litres of 'Rail Neer' supplied to train passengers daily: Government
New Delhi (PTI): Approximately 13 lakh litres of packaged drinking water -- 'Rail Neer' -- are being supplied to train passengers across the railway network daily, the government informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Wednesday.
Apprising the Lower House about the Indian Railways' endeavour to provide safe and potable drinking water facilities at all stations, the government also provided zone-wise details of the water vending machines (WVMs) installed there.
"To ensure the quality of drinking water being made available at the railway stations, instructions exist for periodical checking and required corrective action to be taken.
"Regular inspection and maintenance of drinking water facilities is carried out and complaints are attended to promptly," Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while responding to a question raised by BJP MP Anup Sanjay Dhotre seeking to know the supply of drinking water at railway stations across the country
"Complaints regarding deficiency in services, including water supply, are received through various channels such as public complaints, web portals, social media, etc. These complaints are received at various levels, including the Railway Board, zonal railways, division office, etc.," Vaishnaw said.
"The complaints so received are forwarded to the concerned wings of Railways and necessary action is taken to check and address them. As receipt of such complaints and action taken thereon is a continuous and dynamic process, a centralised compendium of these is not maintained," he added.
Providing zone-wise details of water vending machines, the minister said 954 such machines have been installed across railway stations.
"The Indian Railways also provides safe and affordable packaged drinking water bottles -- Rail Neer -- approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in trains and at stations," Vaishnaw said.
"Approximately, 13 lakh litres of Rail Neer are being supplied per day to the travelling passengers in trains and at stations across the Indian Railways network," he added.
