Rahul Gandhi’s Karnataka visit put off
'We are in a situation where we cannot afford to bring him here at this juncture'
Bengaluru: The much-awaited two-day visit of AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi to Karnataka to meet the bereaved families of farmers who committed suicide, has been postponed due to the intense agitation going on in all four corners of the state over Kalasa Banduri and Mahadayi water projects and the IIT row.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle after the KPCC office bearers’ meeting here, a senior leader said, “We are in a situation where we cannot afford to bring him here at this juncture when the entire state is caught in a vortex of agitations. Mumbai-Karnataka region is affected by the Kalasa-Banduri agitation while Hyderabad-Karnataka is agitating over the IIT being denied to Raichur. Coastal districts are agitating over the state government decision to implement Yettinahhole drinking water project. Lastly, the Cauvery agitation may soon gain momentum in south Karnataka region in the wake of the Union government asking TN and Karnataka to co-operate over water sharing during a drought.”
The source added that, after his arrival, if Mr Gandhi did not touch on any of these subjects, the very purpose of bringing him to the state would be defeated, therefore, the state unit was contemplating postponing the tour. “Once the agitations lose steam the party can always think of bringing him here,” the source contended.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, KPCC president, Dr G. Parameshwar hinted that Mr Gandhi’s tour programme would be delayed in the wake of the German chancellor's visit to the state. “Protocol demands Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's presence whenever foreign dignitaries arrive. Therefore, we have decided to postpone his tour until the Bihar election are over,” he said in response to a question.
According to him, the party was gearing up to face the election of MLCs from local bodies constituencies. “I have instructed DCC presidents to suggest three names each for these seats. Once I receive these names in sealed covers, I will discuss it with Mr Siddaramaiah before finalising the names in Delhi,”he added.