DK Shivakumar Urges Focus on Mahadayi and Upper Bhadra Projects

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appealed to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi to prioritize approvals and funds for the Mahadayi and Upper Bhadra projects, instead of raising contentious issues. Shivakumar accepted MP Sudhakar's challenge to bring Yettinahole water to specific districts, emphasizing his commitment to the cause.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday urged Union Minister Pralhad Joshi to focus on securing approvals for the Mahadayi project and funds for the Upper Bhadra project, rather than stirring up controversies like the Muda and Darshan arrest. Speaking at his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar said, "I appeal to Pralhad Joshi with folded hands on the Ganesha Chathurthi to get us approval for the Mahadayi project and funds for the Upper Bhadra project." He was responding to Joshi's claim that the Congress government was trying to distract the public from the Valmiki Corporation scam by releasing a photograph of Darshan purportedly smoking inside the jail.

Shivakumar stated he would discuss with the Chief Minister in a fortnight about whether to convene an all-party meeting on Mahadayi or call a meeting of the Commission to strategize over the project. Accepting MP Sudhakar's challenge to bring Yettinahole water to Chikkaballapura and Kolar districts within two years, Shivakumar said, "I accept his challenge with love and respect. This is my duty and responsibility to deliver Yettinahole. He was there for the inauguration of the 1st stage of Yettinahole, and it is natural for him to want to see water in his area."

Shivakumar added that he would discuss issues related to the project with the Chief Minister, especially those concerning forest lands in the Tumakuru and Doddaballapura regions. Responding to whether MP Sudhakar's recent praise of him was connected to a Covid report discussed in the last Cabinet meeting, Shivakumar clarified, "I don't know about the Covid report. I was not part of the last Cabinet meeting as I was in Yettinahole." He also noted the existence of multiple individuals named Sudhakar in their party, adding complexity to the discussion.

(With inputs from agencies.)