Karnataka Government to settle PM Modi’s pending Mysuru hotel bills of Rs 80.6 Lakh
Mysuru: The Karnataka government has announced that it will cover the hotel expenses amounting to Rs 80.6 lakh for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stay at Radisson Blu Plaza during his visit to Mysuru in April 2023. The announcement came after the hotel threatened legal action if the dues were not settled by June 1, 2024.
Prime Minister Modi stayed at the hotel while attending the inauguration of the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, an event organized by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF).
Addressing the media on Monday, May 27, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre explained that the excess expenditure of Rs 3.33 crore incurred during the event should have been covered by the NTCA, but due to the model code of conduct in place for the Karnataka Assembly elections, the state government has agreed to settle the hotel bills to avoid further issues.
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“The event was a Union government program with an allocated budget of Rs 3 crore, but the actual expenditure rose to Rs 6.33 crore due to short notice. While the Union government disbursed the initial Rs 3 crore, the remaining amount was left unpaid,” Khandre said.
The Hindu reported that the State Forest Department was directed to organize the event from April 9 to 11 with a budget of Rs 3 crore, assured of full financial support from the Union government. However, costs escalated beyond the initial budget, leading to a shortfall of Rs 3.33 crore.
On September 29, 2023, Karnataka’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) wrote to the Deputy Inspector-General of NTCA, New Delhi, requesting the settlement of the outstanding dues. The NTCA responded on February 12, 2024, stating that the additional expenses should be borne by the state government. A reminder was sent on March 22, 2024, highlighting the pending hotel bills for the Prime Minister’s stay.
With no payment forthcoming, Radisson Blu Plaza’s Finance General Manager wrote to the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Basavaraju, on May 21, 2024, reminding him of the dues and indicating that delayed payments would incur an 18% annual interest.
In light of these developments, the Karnataka government has decided to reimburse the hotel to resolve the matter.
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PM Modi embarks on three-nation visit beginning with Jordan
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday embarked on a visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman -- countries which enjoy civilizational ties and exceptional bilateral relations with India.
"First, I will be visiting Jordan, on the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. This historic visit will mark 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries," the prime minister said in his departure statement.
Modi will hold detailed discussions with Jordanian King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, and will also meet Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah.
In his first visit to Ethiopia, the prime minister will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
The prime minister will also hold discussions with Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and meet the Indian diaspora.
"On the final leg of my journey, I will visit the Sultanate of Oman. My visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Oman," Modi said.
In Muscat, the prime minister will hold discussions with the Sultan of Oman on strengthening the Strategic Partnership as well as a strong commercial and economic relationship.
"I will also address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman, which has contributed immensely to the country's development and in enhancing our partnership," Modi said.
