Bengaluru, August 26: Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister, G. Parameshwara, announced on Wednesday that the state government is assessing the drought situation. He stated that after reviewing ground reports, the government may declare drought in 102 taluks during the next cabinet meeting.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Bengaluru, Parameshwara mentioned that the government has received ground reality reports from 102 taluks and will discuss them in the upcoming cabinet meeting.
He emphasized that the drought declaration will be made according to the criteria set by the central government. “We will review the drought situation weekly,” he added.
Parameshwara criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for forming teams to assess the drought situation but failing to discuss their findings in the assembly or submit any reports to the Chief Minister or Revenue Minister.
He pointed out the acute shortage of drinking water in the state and the devastation of farmers’ crops. The opposition should engage in discussions on these issues and provide suggestions instead of playing politics in the assembly.
In response to a question regarding former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s statement that he urged the Congress leadership to appoint Parameshwara as Deputy Chief Minister, Parameshwara confirmed the statement’s accuracy. He noted that when Siddaramaiah resigned, he suggested that Parameshwara should be made Chief Minister, but the leadership did not consider it. He also mentioned that Siddaramaiah had recommended him for the Deputy Chief Minister position.
When asked about the possibility of Minister B. Nagendra’s resignation, Parameshwara indicated that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is likely to visit Delhi on Wednesday or Thursday, where this issue may be discussed with the Congress leadership.
He dismissed rumors of a cabinet reshuffle, stating that any decision would depend on the leadership. Parameshwara clarified that Nagendra’s name does not appear in any charge sheet. “I have served as Home Minister, and I am aware of this matter. A decision on whether to involve the CBI will be made after cabinet discussions,” he stated.
Parameshwara also accused the BJP of adopting political tactics by organizing a padyatra on this issue. “We have said we are ready to answer questions in the assembly. They are now protesting,” he remarked.
Regarding the proposed use of five percent of park land, Parameshwara asserted that it will be utilized for public works. “The situation will become clear when the corporation makes a concrete decision on this matter,” he added.
On the proposal to charge fees for vehicles parked on the roadside, he noted that discussions had taken place when he was the minister in charge of Bengaluru. “Roads are meant for public movement. If vehicles are parked on both sides, the roads become invisible. Discussions are ongoing, and a decision will be made later,” he explained.
Responding to Siddaramaiah’s statement that reservations and internal reservations are necessary to eliminate inequality, Parameshwara confirmed that the state government has already implemented internal reservations. “Internal reservations are now a settled matter. Our government has implemented it after years of struggle,” he concluded.
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