New Delhi: “Chief Minister of Karnataka Kumaraswamy called on Prime Minister,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in tweet attaching pictures of the two leaders meeting.
Five days after being sworn in as Karnataka CM, H.D. Kumaraswamy (HDK) yesterday called on PM Narendra Modi.
This was Kumaraswamy’s first meeting with Modi since taking over power in the State after his Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) party formed the Government in alliance with the Congress.
Kumaraswamy is in Delhi to meet Modi and other Union Ministers to seek financial assistance for farm loan waiver — a “priority” for his Government.
Speaking to reporters in the national capital after meeting PM Modi, Kumaraswamy said: “I have clearly said that I will waive farm loans. I had promised during election that I will do it in 24 hours. That is true. At least you should give time to breathe. Today, I have limitations”. “If I don’t do it, have clearly said that I will retire from politics and I will resign as Chief Minister. Why cannot you wait for some time?” he questioned reporters.
“The guidelines to waive farm loans have been kept ready. They will be shared before the public on Wednesday in Bengaluru,” he told reporters.
HDK also discussed the issue of shortage of coal for the State’s Thermal Power Plants. He said that he had sought cooperation of the Centre for the development of the State.
“I discussed current problems especially shortage of coal for Three Thermal Plants at Raichur, Yaramaras and Ballari in the State. I requested him to ensure sufficient coal supply to these Thermal Power Plants. The current availability of coal in the State is sufficient to operate the Plants for 15 days,” he said.
He said, besides coal, several other matters were also discussed. “The Prime Minister gave suggestions from his political experience as CM and PM on how to run the Government,” Kumaraswamy said.
“It is customary for the new Chief Minister of any State to call on the Prime Minister, soon after assuming office, in our federal set up,” the Chief Minister told reporters on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi left for the latter’s medical check-up abroad. The trip has further delayed portfolio allocation in Karnataka as leaders of both parties are yet to strike a deal.
This post was published on May 29, 2018 6:42 pm