From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

New Delhi, Dec 18: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday stated that he has sought an appointment to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss irrigation projects and Bengaluru city development.

Speaking to reporters at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi, he said, “I have asked for time to meet the Prime Minister to discuss fund allocation for irrigation projects in the State, including the 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 Chief Minister will be discussing many key issues, including drought relief, an increase in MGNREGA man-days, etc. My meeting with the Prime Minister is yet to be confirmed, and hence I have asked for time from the Union Ministers in the meanwhile,” he added.

Asked about the meeting with the High Command, 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," he said.

To a question on 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 party.’’

He clarified, "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 query on rising Covid cases in some parts, 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.