Sullia: No Investigation into Dr Mitra Hegde Controversy, says DVS

Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (PS)

Sullia, Apr 9: "Three teams comprising 14 ministers in all have been formed to combat the drought situation in the state. They have already started inspection in taluks of Chamarajanagar, Gulbarga and Bijapur," said chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda.

He was speaking to reporters after landing at the helipad here on Monday April 9. He was on visit to attend the 'Nema' ceremony of his family deity.

He also brushed aside reports that the work on the new dam at Thumbay was going on at a slow pace due to lack of funds. "There is no shortage of funds. I have instructed the district administration to speed up the dam construction work," he said.

Regarding former chief minister Yeddyurappa's tour of the drought-hit districts, he said the report submitted by him will be considered and the situation will be scrutinized.

On the controversy surrounding Mangalore dentist Dr Mitra Hegde and her claim of being the President's dentist allegedly turning out false, he said there was no need for investigation into the matter.

"She has misused an important name for her personal gain, but the case does not carry enough weightage for an investigation. However, I shall ask my office to look into it," he said.

It may be recalled here that Dr Mitra Hegde had in 2010 claimed that she was the dentist to the President of India, but last week Dr Shivsharan Shetty alleged that as per the reply to the RTI application filed by him, her claim was false and no such appointment had been made. Dr Mitra, however, called it a conspiracy against her and stood firm.

About the possible induction of former minister Krishna J Palemar now that he has been given clean chit in the porngate case, DVS said steered clear of the matter saying that it was an internal issue which will be discussed and decided by the party.

On cabinet expansion which has been on the hold for sometime, DVS said he will decide on it after his trip to Singapore and Japan for a road show in connection with the global investors' meet to be held in Bangalore in June.

When queried about the compensation to endosulfan victims, he said compensation has been given to those who had applied for it, and added that those who hadn't got it yet should apply for it.

He then visited the Mallikarjuna temple with his family and prayed.