Siddarth Sethia
*Opposition should not disrupt proceedings; let discussions take place: DyCM Dr G.Parameshwara.
Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister Dr G. Parameshwara appealed to the Opposition to cooperate in allowing discussions in the House on the State’s development,drought and the problems faced by the people.
“The people of the State are watching us.For the past two days,no discussions have taken place in the House. We must discuss the State’s development and the drought situation.
The problems faced by the people must be discussed, and the Opposition should cooperate in allowing these discussions to take place,”he said.
He was speaking in the Legislative Council today, addressing Opposition members who were disrupting the proceedings.
“There is a drought situation in the State.In rural areas, there is no drinking water in several places, and we are supplying water through tankers.Fodder for livestock is also becoming scarce.
There are many pressing issues before the people of the State and before us.These are the issues we need to discuss,”he said.
Referring to the Opposition’s questions over Nagendra being made a minister,Dr Parameshwara said,“I am not saying that the Opposition should not question the decision to make Nagendra a minister.You can give notice and raise the question.
We will give a clear answer as to why he has been made a minister again.We must respect the rules of the House. If we ourselves frame the rules and then act against them, how is that right?”
“This is the House of Elders.The entire country watches what happens in this House.The proceedings here are different from those in the Lower House.This House commands great respect,and we must preserve that dignity,”he said.
Appealing to the Leader of the Opposition and all honourable members,he said,“Give notice,raise your questions and hold a discussion.Place before the House whatever information you have.We will answer.”
Dr Parameshwara said the State also needs to submit a memorandum to the Union Government on several issues, including drought,and explain the drought situation prevailing in Karnataka.“We are witnessing such a severe drought after 75 years.
The Union Government has framed guidelines,and drought-affected areas can be declared in accordance with those guidelines.
We are already reviewing the situation in all districts. Once the reports are received,we will submit them to the Union Government,”he said.
He further said,“After that, the Union Government will take a decision.It may send a team here, and based on its assessment, permission may be given for declaring drought.We cannot simply declare drought on our own.
If we declare it ourselves,who will provide the relief funds? A comprehensive report has to be submitted to the Union Government.”
“Let all of us discuss these issues in the House.This is what the people expect from us,”Dr Parameshwara said.
