‘Will discuss drought, water issues’: DK Shivakumar on MPs’ meet in Delhi; says cabinet formalities to be completed this week

BENGALURU: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday said he will meet all state MPs in Delhi to discuss issues including drought, water disputes and key pending projects, including Mekedatu, Mahadayi and Krishna river-related matters.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said he has called a meeting of Karnataka MPs at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi, adding that he will also hold an all-party meeting after his return to the state.

“I’m going to Delhi and called all MPs to meet at Karnataka Bhavan. I’m meeting them, and we will discuss the drought, water issue and Cauvery issue, Mahadaayi, Mekedatu and Krishna river issues. We have to convey all this. There are many projects to discuss,” Shivakumar said.

He said the meeting was being convened to apprise MPs of various issues concerning the state and seek their support. “We have to inform our MPs. For the first time after I became the Chief Minister, I have called them. I have to apprise them of a lot of issues to them. After that, I will call an all-party meeting here also,” the Chief Minister said.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, karnataka: On calling for an MPs’ meeting in the state, CM DK Shivakumar says, “We have to inform our MPs. For the first time after I became the Chief Minister, I have called them. I have to apprise them of a lot of issues to them. After that, I will call an… pic.twitter.com/Vx0TKCDwk8

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Shivakumar added that he would also meet senior leaders, including the Leader of Opposition and former Chief Ministers, after returning. “There are very senior leaders to be addressed. As soon as I come back, I will meet them also. I will meet the opposition leader, former Chief Ministers and all. There are some important issues to be informed to them also. I will do it,” he said.

On the Karnataka Cabinet expansion, Shivakumar said the formalities would be completed within the week. “As all of you’re enthusiastic, within this week all cabinet formalities will be completed,” he said.

The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid renewed political exchanges between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project across the Cauvery River. Karnataka has maintained that the project is within the state’s rights and would also benefit Tamil Nadu, while the DMK has urged the Centre to intervene and ensure that Tamil Nadu’s share of Cauvery water is protected.

The remarks come amid ongoing deliberations within Congress over the expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara had earlier said that the ministry expansion would be carried out immediately after the Congress high command gives its approval.

Parameshwara had said the names for the expansion had been finalised, while the formal intimation to the Governor would be made after considering the appropriate time.

The Karnataka Cabinet currently has 14 members, including Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, following Shivakumar’s appointment as Chief Minister on June 3. The proposed expansion is expected to address demands for greater regional and social representation in the ministry. (ANI)