Mekedatu can be resolved amicably, says Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy

TNN

December 28, 2018

New Delhi/Bengaluru, Dec 28: Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday said Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were not “Indo-Pak enemies” and expressed optimism that the states could amicably resolve differences on the proposed Mekedatu project.

Union water resources minister Nitin Gadkari, at a meeting with Kumaraswamy, reportedly assured the chief minister that he would convene a meeting of all riparian states on Mekedatu. Tamil Nadu has declined Karnataka’s request for a meeting saying the issue is before the Supreme Court.

Kumaraswamy also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and thanked the Centre for giving clearance to the state government to prepare a detailed project report on the Mekedatu project.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the PM, Kumaraswamy said: “I have requested Gadkari to convene a meeting of chief ministers of the two states to resolve the matter. He agreed and directed his officials to fix a meeting... [maybe] in 10 to 15 days.”

Kumaraswamy said the Mekedatu project would be more beneficial to Tamil Nadu than Karnataka and requested the AIADMK and DMK not to make it a political issue.

Besides the Mekedatu project, Kumaraswamy said he also discussed with Modi the release of drought relief to the state, declaration of Upper Krishna Project Stage-III as a project of national importance and gazette notification of the award of Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II and of Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal.

GST compensation

Kumaraswamy met Union finance minister Arun Jaitley and sought extension of the GST compensation period till 2025, contending that the state’s revenue deficit had widened to 20% after the introduction of the GST regime. States are currently entitled to receive compensation for the first five years since the implementation of GST in 2017, or till 2022.

“During the VAT regime, Karnataka used to register average growth of 10% to 12% every year. But post-GST, the revenue deficit is 20% against projected revenue,” Kumaraswamy said in a representation made to the Union finance minister.

‘No seat-sharing talks yet’

Kumaraswamy said the JD(S) had not yet discussed with the Congress about a seat-sharing formula for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The JD(S) leader’s comment came in the wake of Congress leader Siddaramaiah in Hubbali on Thursday rubbishing BJP’s claim that the coalition government in Karnataka would collapse due to internal rifts.

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Lokayukta team arrives at disputed plot; CM likely to get ED summons

News Network

October 1,2024

Mysuru, Oct 1: The Karnataka Lokayukta team on Tuesday arrived at the disputed plot in Mysuru and began investigation into the MUDA case against CM Siddaramaiah and his wife, news agency ANI reported. Snehamayi Krishna, the complainant in the case was also present with the team.

Sources stated that ED sleuths might issue a notice to CM Siddaramaiah at any time and issue summons to him for questioning. The sleuths are also keenly watching the movements of CM Siddaramaiah’s close associates and relatives, including a cabinet minister in connection with the MUDA scam.

Sources further said that there is a possibility of the ED conducting raids across the state on offices and residences of close associates of CM Siddaramaiah. The ED has also gathered information on bank accounts and financial transactions of CM Siddaramaiah and his associates.

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Monday registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), equivalent to an FIR by the police, against CM Siddaramaiah over the alleged irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife Parvathi B.M. by the Mysore Urban Development Authority. The ED registered the case taking cognisance of the FIR registered against the Chief Minister by the Lokayukta police on September 27.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Lokayukta probing the MUDA case has also expedited the probe. The sleuths led by Mysuru Lokayukta SP T.J. Udesh have visited the controversial land on the outskirts of Mysuru city. The petitioner, Snehamayi Krishna, also accompanied the team.

The move of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife to return 14 sites allotted by the MUDA to her has triggered a debate. BJP MLA from Mysuru T.S. Srivatsa stated on Tuesday that the move of CM’s wife is not acceptable. "The two commissioners who colluded in the MUDA scam are roaming freely even today," he said.

"CM Siddaramaiah first claimed that there was no scam at all. Later, he formed a commission and now there is an FIR against him. After committing the mistake, you offer to return the sale deed. The time is up. He will have to tender his resignation and I am sure he won’t be in the position until Dasara festivities," MLA T.S. Srivatsa stated.

T.J. Abraham, one of the petitioners in the MUDA case said, “I had demanded the MUDA commissioner to take back the allotted sites. He had written back saying the process would be initiated. They were waiting for the investigation report."

"CM Siddaramaiah has not approached the division bench or the Supreme Court to challenge the order against him because there is nothing to be challenged. Returning sites is not a big sacrifice. The Chief Minister has lost it," Abraham stated.

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