From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jul 9: Choosing the keep off the ugly tussle between the former chief minister and state JD(S) chief H D Kumaraswamy and BJP backed Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambarish, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, D K Shivakumar on Friday demanded that the BS Yediyurappa government should implement the Mekedatu drinking water project on a priority basis.

Speaking to reporters near his residence on Friday, the State Congress chief said he would not like to wade into the fight between Kumaraswamy and Ambareesh.

"The Congress party does not want to interfere in the fighting among anybody. The government should accord priority for implementing the Mekedatu project,’’ he said and pointed out that the cracks and leakage in the Krishna Raja Sagara dam must be looked into by the ministry concerned and by the technical experts in the government."

Shivakumar said the technical experts and engineers must examine the dam and ascertain the situation. "Let the government keep the people informed of the actual position instead of creating panic in the minds of the people and farmers."

As an opposition party, Congress does not want to create panic among people but functions as an effective opposition. "When the government does not do its work, we will criticize and give constructive suggestions,’’ he said.

State Congress chief said he has written to the chief minister to retain Mysugar factory with the government instead of giving it on a 40 years lease to a private company.

The chief minister must keep his word and protect the interests of the farmers, he added.