‘I’ve a drought to fight’
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Former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa plans to kill two birds with one stone by embarking on a tour of north Karnataka, considered the BJP’s bastion, from April 4-8. Mr Yeddyurappa who announced his plan to tour the drought-hit areas on Tuesday, wants to re-establish his old ties with people of the region. Secondly, he wants to send a message to the party top brass that he is involved in constructive political activity and is not sulking because he has been denied the CM post. He hopes this will have a positive impact on the leadership when they have a discussion on the leadership issue, probably after April 11.
Addressing a press conference, the ex-CM, who had a bland expression on his face all through, lambasted state officials for their apathy in tackling the drought. "In the three-and-half years I was CM, the state had copious rains with some North Karnataka areas even facing floods. Unfortunately this year, 123 taluks in 20 districts are reeling under a severe drought. District in-charge secretaries have not cared to visit their respective districts to review drought relief work,” he said.
The former CM wanted the government to ensure drinking water and fodder supply in drought prone districts. "If I visit these places with the local legislator and the district in-charge ministers, the officials will start working," he said while defending his tour. He carefully evaded a query on why agriculture minister Umesh Katti and rural development minister Jagadish Shettar, both his loyalists, chose to spend time at a resort two weeks ago instead of touring the state saying,‘ No comments.’ These ministers were holed up with BSY at the resort near Bengaluru just before the budget session began.
On his comeback as CM, Mr Yeddyurappa said he would wait for a few more days. “Probably, the central leadership was busy with the Rajya Sabha and Assembly elections. It is all over now. I hope they will take a decision," he said, adding, “I will not set a deadline. I am confident the high command will take a suitable decision at an appropriate time".
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