Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Thursday that he would travel to New Delhi on Friday for a meeting called by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with PCC presidents and CLP leaders of the party.
Speaking to reporters in Kanakapura (Ramanagara district), Shivakumar said the meeting was scheduled for Friday evening, and he would attend it before returning.
He also said he was not meeting any Union ministers during the visit. His comments come against the backdrop of his Delhi visit and several political and administrative developments in Karnataka.
Rahul Gandhi to Meet PCC Presidents and CLP Leaders
Shivakumar said Rahul Gandhi had called a meeting of PCC presidents and CLP leaders from different states.
“I am travelling to Delhi this afternoon. Rahul Gandhi is meeting all PCC presidents and CLP leaders tonight. I will attend it,” he said.
The meeting is expected to bring Congress leaders together for talks. Shivakumar did not reveal what was on the agenda of the meeting.
Asked whether he would meet any Union ministers during his Delhi visit, he said no such meetings were planned at present.
PM Modi Invited for Bengaluru Metro Inauguration
Shivakumar also spoke about the proposed inauguration of Bengaluru Metro and the invitation extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said the Prime Minister was expected to visit Bengaluru and that the government had invited him for the Metro inauguration.
When BJP started the discussion on the Metro project, Shivakumar said that it had been developed with public money and borrowed funds.
“The Metro belongs to the people. We have built it by taking loans and using public money,” he said.
He was asked about the political credit being claimed over the Metro project.
Sugarcane Farmers' Protest: Shivakumar Appeals for Cooperation
The Deputy Chief Minister also answered questions about sugarcane growers’ protest and efforts to resolve issues raised by farmers.
He said the state government had asked the farmers to cooperate and that ministers had discussed with sugar factory owners how to find a solution.
Some farmers had sought protection so that sugar factories could start functioning, Shivakumar said adding state government had also approached Centre on the issue.
He said Union Minister Pralhad Joshi had said efforts were being made to address the concerns.
Farmers Should Not Disrupt Assembly Proceedings, Says DKS
While accepting the concerns of sugarcane farmers Shivakumar asked them to be decorous while talking with government representatives.
He said farmers should not threaten to stop the Assembly session from functioning and raise their demands in a respectful manner.
“Everyone should behave courteously. During meetings people shouldn’t use disrespectful language (‘Hey, come here’ or ‘Go away’). Farmers should not behave disrespectfully,” he said.
Shivakumar said the government had spoken to factory owners and taken up the matter with Centre but farmers should continue discussions in a constructive manner.
Key Takeaways from DK Shivakumar's Kanakapura Statement
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Shivakumar is travelling to Delhi to attend Rahul Gandhi's meeting.
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The meeting with PCC presidents and CLP leaders is scheduled for Friday evening.
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He said he has no plans to meet Union ministers during the visit.
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The Karnataka government has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Bengaluru Metro inauguration.
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Shivakumar said the Metro project was built using public funds and loans.
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The government has held discussions with sugar factory owners over farmers' concerns.
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He appealed to sugarcane farmers to maintain decorum and allow Assembly proceedings to continue.
Shivakumar spoke about the Congress leadership meeting in Delhi, Bengaluru Metro inauguration, and sugarcane farmers’ concerns in Karnataka. He appealed to farmers as government talks with stakeholders over the sugarcane issue continue.
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