Have sought appointment with PM to discuss Bengaluru development, irrigation projects: Shivakumar

Bengaluru/New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday said that he has sought a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss irrigation projects and development of Bengaluru city.  

Interacting with reporters at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi, he said: "I have asked for time with the Prime Minister to discuss fund allocation for irrigation projects in the state including Upper Bhadra project, and Bengaluru city development, I am waiting for the confirmation. 

"The Prime Minister has given time for the Chief Minister’s meeting. The CM will be discussing many key issues including drought relief, increase in MGNREGA man days, etc. My meeting with the PM is yet to be confirmed and hence I have asked for time from the Union Ministers in the meanwhile." 

Asked about the meeting with the Congress top leadership, he said: "A meeting is scheduled but I can’t discuss the agenda of the meeting in public. MLAs will be appointed to Boards and Corporations in the first phase. We will try to include some of the party workers also in the first phase, if possible. Appointments to Boards and Corporations will happen in three phases." 

Asked about the Congress Working Committee meeting, he said: "The CWC meeting will happen in Delhi on December 21. Later, a massive rally is planned in Nagpur on December 28 on the occasion of the Foundation Day of the Congress. I am not a member of the Working Committee, I am only an invitee. Generally, the CWC meeting is followed by a meeting of all PCC Presidents, but sometimes the meetings are called together." 

Replying to a reporter’s query on rising Covid cases in some parts of the country, he said there was no need for concern, adding that the Department of Health had taken all necessary precautions. He appealed to the media not to create panic regarding Covid. 

--IANS

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