Union Minister Tomar to launch scholarship programme for children of Karnataka farmers on Sep 5
New Delhi, Aug 25: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj S Bommai on Wednesday discussed various issues related to farmers with Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and invited him for the launch of a scholarship programme for children of the state's farmers on September 5.
After taking oath on July 28, Bommai had announced the scholarship programme for these children (class 11 to post graduate).
"On September 5, he (Tomar) will visit Bengaluru for the launch of a scholarship programme," Bommai told reporters after meeting Tomar.
It was also discussed how both the Centre and the state can boost the agriculture sector in Karnataka, specially doubling farmers' income, he said.
Tomar also informed in the meeting that the Centre has given approval for procurement of green gram at minimum support price in Karnataka, he added.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shobha Karandlaje, Karnataka minister for water resources Govinda Karjol and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Manjunath Prasad were also present in the meeting.
Later, Bommai also called on Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and sought early approval for pending projects struck in interstate river water disputes related to Cauvery, Krishna and Mahadayi rivers.
"A detailed discussion was held for two hours on various pending projects struck in interstate river water disputes. The minister responded positively," he said.
On Upper Krishna Stage-3 project case pending in Supreme Court, Bommai said approval was sought for implementation of projects on the share of water allocated to Karnataka.
Since the Telangana government has withdrawn its writ petition, Karnataka will have no problem in using its share of water, he said.
On Mekedatu project on Cauvery river, he said he sought early approval of the drinking water project meant to fulfill the demand of Bengaluru.
"A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted to Central Water Commission (CWC). The Union Minister said the DPR will be taken up in the next agenda of the Cauvery Water Management Authority meeting," Bommai said.
Shekhawat also informed that a proposal to declare national status for Upper Bhadra Project will be moved for cabinet approval, he said.
The Yethinahole drinking water project for drought prone districts was also discussed.
Mekedatu drinking water project, Upper Krishna project, Kalasa-Bandurinala project (Mahadayi) are awaiting the Centre's clearance. The state is also awaiting national status for Upper Bhadra project.
Bommai also expressed concern in the meeting over Tamil Nadu taking up an intra state river linking project on Cauvery and said it was not legally acceptable.
The Union Minister has asked the Karnataka government to submit in written about the issue and it will be done soon, he said.
"I have requested the Centre to stand with Karnataka on river water dispute issues as per the law. I believe the issues will be resolved," he added.
Bommai also said he will have a meeting on Thursday with legal officers here on pending court cases related to Cauvery and Krishna river water interstate disputes. He is also scheduled to meet Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and attend a wreath laying ceremony at the Police Memorial Hall here.
Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar and Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani are accompanying Bommai on his two-day visit.
ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಕೃಷಿ ಸಚಿವ ಶ್ರೀ ನರೇಂದ್ರ ಸಿಂಗ್ ತೋಮರ್ ಅವರನ್ನು ಇಂದು ನವದೆಹಲಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಭೇಟಿ ಮಾಡಿ ಮಾತುಕತೆ ನಡೆಸಲಾಯಿತು. ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸಚಿವೆ ಶೋಭಾ ಕರಂದ್ಲಾಜೆ, ರಾಜ್ಯ ಜಲಸಂಪನ್ಮೂಲ ಸಚಿವರಾದ ಗೋವಿಂದ ಕಾರಜೋಳ ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು.@ShobhaBJP @nstomar @GovindKarjol pic.twitter.com/11QCvtPHUf
— Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) August 25, 2021
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Punjab CM Mann meets President Murmu, seeks cancellation of membership of 6 RS members
Chandigarh (PTI): Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday met President Droupadi Murmu, demanding the termination of the membership of six Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab who defected to the BJP and also pressed for the introduction of a constitutional provision allowing for the recall of members.
Accompanied by party MLAs and ministers, Mann visited Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.
This meeting followed a significant setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on April 24, when seven of its 10 Rajya Sabha MPs -- Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta, Vikramjit Sahney and Swati Maliwal -- quit and merged with the BJP, alleging that the party had strayed from its principles, values and core morals. Six of the seven MPs who left AAP hailed from Punjab.
After he met with the President, Mann addressed the media here, describing the departure of the seven MPs as a "murder" of the Constitution. He stated, "Seven MPs merging with another party is completely unconstitutional. I spoke to Rashtrapati ji in detail."
Mann pointed out that he told the President that the BJP holds only two MLA seats (in Punjab), yet now has six MPs in the Rajya Sabha. He questioned, "How can this be possible? Isn't it a mockery of the Constitution?
"If they are such revolutionaries at heart, then they should have resigned from their six seats. The AAP could have sent someone else," Mann said, taking a swipe at them.
He emphasised the need for a recall provision in the Constitution, referencing MP Raghav Chadha's previous demands for such a measure when members fail to meet public expectations.
"Have you lived up to the expectations of the people?" Mann challenged the MPs during his statement.
Mann also presented a letter to the President, signed by all AAP MLAs. He differentiated between the terms 'elected' and 'selected,' stating, "They were 'selected.' Therefore, their membership should be cancelled."
The President assured Mann that she would consult constitutional experts before responding.
Earlier in the day, Mann, along with party MLAs, departed for Delhi from Chandigarh.
Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, Mann affirmed that all AAP MLAs stand united with the party. "Only I have been given time for the meeting," Mann said.
"The President is the guardian of the Constitution. She is the constitutional head of the country," he added.
Later in a post on X in Hindi, Mann said, "Our struggle to protect Punjab's rights and interests continues. Today, along with all AAP MLAs, I have left to discuss Punjab's burning issues and present the state's strong voice before the President.
As your public servant, our government remains fully committed to Punjab's prosperity and the safeguarding of the rights of every section of society."
The MLAs and ministers gathered at the chief minister's residence in the morning before heading to Delhi, carrying placards that read 'Punjab Mann De Naal' and 'Punjab's Traitors.'
The legislators left for Delhi in buses.
Mann had previously sought an appointment with the President to meet with party MLAs and demand the "recall" of the Rajya Sabha MPs who defected to the BJP. However, only Mann was given a time slot for the meeting.
