On Wednesday, Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, Consumer Affairs, New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi explained that he could not join the gathering of MPs called by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah because Parliament’s Winter Session was in session and his schedule was already full.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar replied that the state would choose a new date that works for the opposition leaders.
The Karnataka administration intends to assemble all sitting MPs and central ministers to push for additional funding for the state and to secure clearance of its projects from the centre.
In a formal letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Minister Joshi outlined his scheduling conflicts, noting that the meeting had fallen at a time that did not suit the MPs and that a joint consultation would have made it easier.
Member of Parliament Siddaramaiah had arranged a meeting in New Delhi for December 8, bringing together representatives from Karnataka to bring the central government’s attention to pressing state development matters.
His letter read: “As you are aware, the Winter Session of Parliament is underway. You know well that the workload during a session is heavy. Several financial bills are scheduled for introduction. Hence, all of us ministers have pressing responsibilities related to the Parliament session as well as our respective ministries.”
Minister Joshi added, “It would have been convenient if the Chief Minister had discussed with us first and then finalised the date.”
He also informed that the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, railways minister V. Somanna and labour and MSME minister Shobha Karandlaje would not be able to attend the meeting.
In Bengaluru, Shivakumar clarified that the all‑party meeting slated for December 8 would be postponed and a new date would be set that accommodates the opposition.
He said: “The all‑party meeting that was scheduled to be held on December 8 in New Delhi is likely to be postponed due to certain technical reasons. We had decided to take the leaders of the opposition parties along with us for this meeting. However, they are creating hurdles. Therefore, the Chief Minister and I will discuss the matter and fix a date that is convenient for the opposition parties.”
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