Can be a leader only when one walks the talk: DKS

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday called upon the Opposition to unite and exert pressure on the Centre for speedy implementation of irrigation projects in the State.

Speaking at the inauguration of medical college in Haveri, the Deputy Chief Minister, who is also the Irrigation Minister, said, “Karnataka is not getting cooperation from the Centre. During Basavaraj Bommai’s tenure, the Centre had announced a grant of ₹5,300 crore for the Upper Bhadra project, but it has not released any funds till now. Nirmala Sitharaman and Narendra Modi have to keep their word. I had used the phrase ‘word power is world power’ sometime back. One has to keep his word, then only he or she will be called a leader.”

Mr. Shivakumar said he had gone to Delhi recently to sign the Bedthi and Varada river linking project. “Fix an appointment with the Prime Minister to discuss the State irrigation projects with the Centre, we will go under the leadership of Basavaraj Bommai. We will urge the Centre for issue of Gazette notification for Upper Krishna project,” he said.