Vijayapura: Asserting that BJP will go to upcoming Assembly polls under the leadership of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Minister for Forest and District In-charge Umesh Katti challenged the Congress to declare its leader under whom the party plans to face elections and declare their CM candidate.
Addressing mediapersons after participating in the 75th Independence day programme at B. R. at Ambedkar District Stadium on Monday August 15, he said that while the BJP is clear about its leader, let Congress declare who their leader is.
“Let the party say whether KPCC Chief D. K. Shivakumar or Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah, their leader under whom the party is going to face next polls,” he challenged.
Saying that the BJP has no difference over the post of Chief Minister, Katti accused the Congress of spreading rumours of the BJP planning to change the CM.
He said that since Congress has no better work to do, the party is busy spreading rumours about the BJP’s CM candidate.
To a question, he predicted that the party will win at least 130 seats in the coming polls and will form the government again in the State.
Mentioning his Forest Ministry, he said that the government has decided to set up at least one zoo in each district including in Vijayapura City.
With regard to establishing a bird sanctuary at Almatti dam backwaters which is attracting thousands of migratory birds every year, he said that the proposal is before the government.
Informing that over 100 species of birds have arrived in the backwaters, the Minister said that direction has been given to conduct a detailed survey before taking the final decision.
Regarding the damage to properties, life and crops due to recent heavy rains, the Minister said that the district received 97mm rains as against the average of 38mm.
“Though we are happy that the rains will help Toor crop, however, the same rains have damaged some properties and stand crops in the district. Two persons have also died because of the rains. The compensation has already been given to the family of the deceased. Three persons who were injured in a house collapse, have already undergone treatment and they have recovered also”, he said.
Katti said that some 433 houses were damaged and compensation to 367 houses had already been given. Admitting that some standing crops were also damaged, he said that after completion of the survey, compensation would be given.
MLA, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, DC, Vijaymahantesh Danammanavar, ZE CEO, Rahul Shinde, SP, H. D. Anandkumar and other officials were present.
