Mangalore: Allegations against BJP Ministers a Conspiracy - DVS
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Oct 25: Chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda (DVS), who was in the city on Tuesday October 25, said that allegations against BJP minsters in the state, including former chief minster Yeddyurappa, were part of a well-planned conspiracy by the Opposition.
Speaking to media persons at the circuit house, DVS said that unless proven, no one can be called guilty. If allegations against the ministers are proved in the court of law, he will take further action regarding their positions within the party and the goverment, he asserted.
Currently, four BJP former ministers, including former CM Yeddyurappa, are languishing behind bars. Two more ministers - R Ashok and Murugesh Nirani, are facing probes.
DVS also affirmed that he would be contesting as MLC, after Shankarappa from Raichur gave up his post recently.
On asked about cabinet expansion which was promised after Koppal by-elections, he said that the cabinet would be expanded soon, but did not elaborate.
On the issue of power shortage in the state, he said that there was a scarcity of coal and coal mines. "A proposal in this regard has already been sent to the Centre, but the central government is not cooperating with us," he added.
"We have asked for 200 MW of power from Chhatisgarh, but as there is no direct line to Karnataka, it is getting delayed. But all arrangements will be done soon. Also, talks are on with sugar industries to produce 500 MW of electricity from molasses, and short-term tenders will be called within a week," he said.
Pertaining to drought concerns in the state, he said 90 taluks have been drought-hit, while two-three districts have been receiving excess rainfall. He assured that things will be brought under control after Diwali, and added that as the CM, he will not be celebrating Diwali on account of the drought.
When questioned about lack of staff in various government departments, especially the revenue, he said about 2000 employments will be made in the revenue department alone, and the rest of the departments also will be taken care of.
"It is a wrong notion that there is lack of funds. All district administrations have been been allotted Rs 200 crore, and another Rs 82 crore will be released soon," he said.
On the issue of scarcity of paddy seeds provided to farmers, he said the Opposition has raised the matter, and once back in Bangalore, he would meet the Opposition leaders and discuss the issue with them. Seeds will be provided to farmers very soon, he said.
On a lighter note, he advised the people to be careful while celebrating Diwali and urged everyone to put a curb on the expenditure on fireworks.