From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Feb 14: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday reiterated that protecting Karnataka’s land and its language of Kannada is the first priority of the Congress government while declaring that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests of Kannadigas.
Speaking to media persons near the KPCC office, he said the State Government will ensure that even the Marathi speaking people in Belagavi are part and parcel of Karnataka and the government will protect them.
He, however, made it clear that the State Government will not allow Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) leaders in Belagavi to take law into their hands. Protecting the law and order situation and safeguarding the interests of the people is the duty of the government, he said
Answering questions on the plea of MES leaders to the Maharashtra government to open their office in Belagavi, the Deputy Chief Minister said Maharashtra has no say in the internal affairs of Karnataka. It is our government which will deal with all issues, he said.
Shivakumar said Karnataka has provided sufficient facilities to the rural people in Belagavi. The State Government is taking steps for the development of the district and will also provide irrigational facilities for agriculture in the district.
Shivakumar, who is also heading KPCC, said the party has held another round of talks on the selection of party candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha pools.
"I and the Chief Minister have held discussions on the issue. We will take up the matter with the AICC General Secretaries. The Screening Committee will prepare a list and it will be sent to the party high command for approval," he said.
AICC General Secretary Randeep Sigh Surjewala, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Lok Sabha Candidate Selection Committee Chief Harish Choudhary, AICC Secretaries Rosy John, Abhishek Dutt, Mayur Jaikumar and Committee members Jignesh Mewani and Dr Vishwajit Kadam attended the Congress Election Committee meeting at the KPCC office.
The KPCC Chief said the party will be sending the names of Congress candidates to the high command for final announcement of the names.