Deputy CM Shivakumar dismisses BJP's allegation over releasing Cauvery water to TN
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday dismissed the BJP's charge that the Congress government was clandestinely releasing Cauvery river water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu amid the severe water shortage in the State.
"It is totally false. There is no water to be released. It is just a political game they (BJP) are trying," Shivakumar, also the State Congress President, told reporters here.
Shivakumar was reacting to the BJP leaders' allegation that huge amounts of water is being released from Karnataka dams by the government to the neighbouring state for "their political compulsion" as the ruling DMK there is part of the opposition INDIA bloc.
He sought to remind the BJP leaders that he was the one who conducted the walk for Mekedatu project' demanding a balancing reservoir across Cauvery river at Mekedatu in Kanakapura taluk of Ramanagara district.
ALSO READ: Won't release water to TN without retaining for our consumption: CM Siddaramaiah
Shivakumar, the MLA from Kanakapura, said he had organised the march to see that the Mekedatu project becomes a reality.
He requested the BJP MPs and Union Ministers to ensure that the state secured permission to take up the Mekedatu project.
On the severe water shortage in many parts of the city, Shivakumar, who is also in-charge of Bengaluru Development, said: "As far as Bengaluru is concerned, there is no water crisis. Only about 7,000 borewells have dried. We have made alternative arrangements for them. We have taken control of water tankers. We have identified the water sources. We will see that water is supplied."
Regarding the deadline for complying with 60 per cent use of Kannada on signboards of businesses and establishments coming to end, he said he did not want any Kannada activists to take law into their hands as the government is committed to implement it.
Shivakumar noted that the government had given time to the traders so that the rule is implemented in toto.
"The traders met me. There is a lot of pressure on them but we will see that the government directions are honoured. I want all the Kannada organisations to be calm. They should not disturb any private entity," he said.
#WATCH | On water crisis issue, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, "As far as Bengaluru is concerned, there is no water crisis. We have made alternative arrangements. BJP is saying that we are releasing water to Tamil Nadu. This is absolutely false. I appeal to the PM and… pic.twitter.com/7bjepLCu57
— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024
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Petrol, diesel price hike 'Modi's gift', country has come to 'tragic situation': Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Terming the petrol and diesel price hike as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "gift", Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said the country has come to a "tragic situation."
He also criticised the PM's call for fuel saving, postponement of gold purchases, among other measures to spend wisely.
Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by Rs 3 per litre each on Friday, the first rate increase in more than four years, amid mounting losses of fuel retailers due to surging global crude prices in the wake of the West Asia conflict.
The increase comes 16 days after Assembly elections concluded in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
"Petrol and diesel price hike is Modi's gift. He has failed in international relationships. He has not maintained a good relationship with anyone in the neighbourhood. Now he is asking people of the country to limit the petrol use, not to purchase gold, minimise edible oil consumption. How can it be stopped or limited," Shivakumar asked.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "It cannot be done. The country has come to a tragic situation. We have to save and protect this country."
People earn, and lead their lives accordingly. "No one can be controlled. It should be ensured that people lead their lives smoothly with whatever they have," he further said.
Emphasising that the Centre is trying to shield people from the adverse impact of the conflict in West Asia, PM Modi on Sunday called for judicious use of fuel, postponement of gold purchases and foreign travel, among other measures, to strengthen the economy.
Alleging Modi has failed in international relationships, the Deputy CM said, "He could not manage well, he could not help. That's the reason he has made a certain appeal to people, like he did during the Covid to light the lamp, ring the bell. It is not possible. How can I stop consumption of oil in my house? How can I stop using vehicle?"
"The Prime Minister might have reduced his security to two vehicles, fine. Let others do it across the country," he said, adding, "How can you say people should not travel outside? It is their pleasure their earnings. People travel with their earnings. It is very unfortunate (to ask people not to travel outside)."
Further noting that every woman wants to have at least a gold chain for their Mangalya or Mangalsutra, Shivakumar asked how they can be stopped from buying gold for a Mangalya chain. "It is not fair."
