From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
New Delhi, Nov 29: Cornered by the pictures published in newspapers and social media over BJP MPs P C Mohan and Tejasvi Surya as well as MLA Uday Garudachar and other ruling party leaders sharing the dais with rowdy-sheeter ‘Silent’ Sunil at a blood donation camp in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai sought to turn the tables against opposition Congress party by asking how many rowdy-sheeters were there in the party.
Speaking to media persons in New Delhi on Tuesday, November 29, he said the BJP leaders had merely taken part in a blood donation camp in Bengaluru.
The chief minister asked the Congress leaders to count the number of rowdy-sheeters in their party before criticizing his party.
On his plans to meet BJP national president J P Nadda to discuss the expansion of his cabinet, he said: “I have sought appointment with BJP National President J P Nadda and expect to get it tomorrow.”
There are six vacancies in the State Cabinet and the chief minister is keen to fill them up and even go for revamp of the cabinet by dropping some senior ministers for party work for the ensuing assembly polls.
“It is up to the party high command to give the green signal. I am ready,” he said.
The chief minister said he will be meeting union ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Bhupendra Yadav and Rajnath Singh.
With Gajendra Singh, Union Jal Shakthi Minister, Bommai said he will discuss the Mekedatu, Upper Bhadra and Mahadayi projects.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be invited to open Sangolli Rayanna Sainik School and is planning to meet another union minister, Yadav regarding the environment related projects.
Border row Case to come up before SC on Wednesday
The border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka is coming up for hearing on November 30 and a senior advocate, Mukul Rohtagi will effectively present the case on behalf of Karnataka, said chief minister Basavaraj Bommai.
He said Rohtagi has been a senior advocate and he has been briefed about the border row involving the two States by State Advocate General Prabhulinga Navadagi.
“I have also given an explanation from my side on the history of legal fights over this issue. Preparations are in place to present the case in Supreme Court tomorrow (Wednesday). There will be enquiry on the maintainability of the petition filed by Maharashtra,” he said.
“The former Chief Justice, Justice Deepak Mishra had raised the issue of the maintainability of the petition and we will oppose that petition. Now, the Maharashtra leaders are showing how serious they are on this issue,” he said.
Inclusion of Maharashtra villages into Karnataka
Replying to a question, he said there are certain rules for the inclusion of villages of some states into another State.
On time sought by villagers of 42 villages in Jath taluka of Maharashtra seeking the merger of their villages into Karnataka, Bommai said this problem is not new as they have been issuing such statements for the last so many years due to non-availability of proper basic infrastructure.
However, since the matter is pending before the Supreme Court, it will be discussed in an all-party meeting and take legal opinion before arriving at any final conclusion.
Politically motivated statement
When his attention was drawn to Congress Opposition leader in the Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah's statement on this issue, Bommai said the resolution to supply water was done by the previous Congress Government and why they did not include those villages into Karnataka.
“Since I am in a responsible position, I have to take decisions as per law and the Constitution,” he said.
On the attack on KSRTC buses in Maharashtra, he said the state’s senior officials have already spoken to the Home Department of Maharashtra, and the situation is under control.