Sunil Lohan
*Cabinet Expansion May Also Be Discussed.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Revenue and Sports,Dr.G.Parameshwara said that the drought situation in Karnataka was extremely serious.
To discuss the issue,Chief Minister,D.K.Shivakumar has convened a meeting of the State’s Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members in Delhi at 6 pm today.
Speaking to the media near his residence in Sadashivanagar today,Dr.Parameshwara said that the Government had already held several discussions on the measures required for effective drought management.
“I have written to the Prime Minister,the Union Home Minister and the Union Agriculture Minister.The Chief Minister has also written to the Prime Minister,but no response has been received so far,”he said.
Dr. Parameshwara said that proposals relating to several projects in Karnataka had also been submitted to the Union Government.
“At today’s meeting,we will discuss these proposals with our State’s representatives and request them to take up the matters with the concerned Union Ministers and make efforts to secure the necessary approvals,”he said.
He added that he and the Chief Minister had already met and held discussions in Delhi with officials from Karnataka serving there.We will seek their assistance whenever required,”he said.
Dr.Parameshwara said that the possibility of Cabinet expansion might also be discussed.“If approval is received,the Cabinet may be expanded,”he said.
Responding to a media question on whether AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge would be requested to raise the drought situation in Parliament,the Deputy Chief Minister said,“We will certainly make that request.
He may raise the matter in Parliament or speak separately with the Union Home Minister and the Union Agriculture Minister.We will request him to urge the Union Government to extend all necessary assistance to Karnataka.”
