From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Feb 7: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has asserted that Karnataka must get its rightful share of inter-state rivers, the needs of the state, water generation and equity must be the basis in deciding the quantum of water besides the state government being taken into confidence before the finalization of the detailed project for the union government’s proposal for inter-linking of rivers.

The chief minister has made the state government’s position on the inter-linking of rivers mooted by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union budget proposals for the year 2022-23 during a meeting of State’s MP’s held in Delhi on Monday, February 7. Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Prahlad Joshi, Rajiv Chandrashekar and Bhagwant Khooba, State Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar and other senior officials were present in the meeting.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi after the meeting with State’s MPs, in which Union Ministers elected from the State were also present, Bommai said the State Government would take all necessary steps to protect the interests of the State and urged the MPs to extend their full support.

“Krishna and Cauvery are the lifelines of Karnataka. There is no question of any compromise in the State’s stand,” the Chief Minister declared.

Bommai also clarified that Karnataka has a clear stand on Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Palar and Pennar rivers as they are integral part of the Himalayan and Peninsular regions. “We are very firm and committed to our stand,” he reiterated.

The Chief Minister separately met and discussed with Nirmala Sitharaman and mentioned that he will be meeting Union Energy Minister as well as Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Cabinet Expansion

Bommai said he will be staying overnight in Delhi and will try to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well as BJP National President JP Nadda.

“The issue of expansion of the State Cabinet to fill up the six vacant slots and possible reshuffle will also be discussed if I am able to meet Amit Shah and JP Nadda,” he indicated.

Hijab Controversy

Answering questions on the hijab controversy, the Chief Minister asked all students to strictly abide by the State Government’s circular on the dress code to be followed in schools and colleges.

Students must concentrate on their studies in view of the examinations, he said and pointed out that a writ petition was pending before the Karnataka High Court. He appealed to all sections of people to maintain peace and communal harmony till the High Court decides on the issue.

“When similar controversies arose, the issue was resolved after judicial adjudication. Let us wait for the court orders,” he added.