Bengaluru, March 17 – Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar arrived in Delhi on Tuesday, where he stated that he would meet with MPs and Union Ministers from the state regarding pending irrigation projects.
Speaking to the media at Kempegowda International Airport before departing for the national capital, Shivakumar, who holds the portfolio of Water Resources, said: "The Central government has been holding approvals for several irrigation projects in the state. Therefore, along with Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil and Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil, we will meet all Members of Parliament from Karnataka and hold discussions."
"We will share details of the discussions after we return. We will collectively urge the Central government to make a decision on irrigation-related issues," he added.
"I will meet all Parliamentary members from the state regarding pending works from the Centre. We will convey the facts and urge them to pressure the Central government to grant clearances to the state's irrigation projects."
In New Delhi, Shivakumar was scheduled to first meet with lawyers, and then he and the other ministers would meet with Union Ministers and MPs from Karnataka at the Karnataka Bhavan.
Shivakumar's stopover in Delhi has sparked fresh speculation, and an official communication from his office stated that his return journey remains open. He is expected to meet with the national leadership and discuss state politics.
His camp is optimistic that he may be given an opportunity by the high command, especially after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented a record 17th State Budget and fulfilled a long-standing ambition. At the same time, Shivakumar has recently completed six years as the President of the state Congress unit.
Shivakumar has indicated that he is willing to make way for others, whereas Siddaramaiah has said he would present two more state Budgets if the people continue to support him and the high command permits him.