Daijiworld Media Network - Kolar (SP)

Kolar, Apr 28: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, D K Shivakumar, who had recently wondered where was rural development minister K S Eshwarappa 'sleeping', has now challenged the minister for an open debate on National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme. Hitting back at Shivakumar, Eshwarappa said that it was Shivakumar who was in deep slumber till now and that he suddenly woke up to the compulsion of projecting himself as pro-Muslims.

"People are going through very difficult times as they are facing lockdown issues and drinking water scarcity. I had wondered where was Eshwarappa, who was expected to lend an ear to their woes. Failing to assimilate what I meant, Eshwarappa, instead of answering my question has posed a question to me. If Eshwarappa has the power and information where I was sleeping, let him say so. He has failed to properly understand what I meant by where he was sleeping," Shivakumar said.

Speaking to media persons at Congress Bhavan on Monday, Shivakumar said that there has been widespread corruption in the implementation of rural employment guarantee scheme, "Eshwarappa himself has talked about corruption and ordered for inquiry. My Kanakapura constituency has won the central government award for implementing this scheme effectively. Eshwarappa has not realized the power and potential of this scheme," he ridiculed.

"In the past, I had explained to the government about how this scheme can individually support families. I am open for debate with Eshwarappa on the issue in any forum. I am ready to provide to him whatever information he wants," Shivakumar said.

Eshwarappa retorted saying, "Shivakumar has said that me and my department are sleeping, whereas he has the experience of sleeping at various places. I do not want to meddle with him." Eshwarappa also stated that he and the officials in his department have been actively moving around and are engaged in their work. "This is enough proof that we are not sleeping," he added.

Slamming Shivakumar, Eshwarappa said, "You have the experience of looting. You can inform me of the details. I will tighten the screws. If even a single rupee is misused and if I come to know of it, I will accept your challenge. You can decide on the venue."

He also commented that Shivakumar, who was sleeping till now, suddenly realized the need to show himself as pro-Muslims. For that very purpose, he issued a dramatic statement to show to the people that he supports minorities. He has pitted Muslims against their groups and is now projecting as if he is their champion, he lampooned.