Cabinet expansion only after coordination commitee meeting

Dharmastala, Karnataka, Jan 3 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today indicated that he would take up Cabinet Expansion only after a meeting of the coordination committee of the JD(S)-BJP coalition government and the JD(S) legislature party.

Speaking to newspersons at the helipad at Belthangady near here he said a decision could be taken only after these meetings.

On the ongoing dharna at Padubidre against the proposed bastow Nagarjuna Thermal Power Plant near Nandkur in Udupi district which entered the 13th day today, he said he had invited those who oppose the project to visit other thermal plants in coastal regions at government expense. But no one had properly responded to the offer, he added.

He said the State was facing acute power shortage and people instead of opposing all development projects, should cooperate with the government for economic development of the state.

Replying a query on the remarks by Sri Vishvesha Thirtha Swamiji of Udupi Pejawar Mutt that the Chief Minister had failed to keep his (Mr Kumaraswamy) promise to convene a meeting to discuss the project, he replied ''I have not broke my promise. Even now I am inviting the Pontiff to take lead along with those opposing the project, to visit other thermal projects functioning, to coastal area to clear their apprehensions and doubts, he said.

The Swamiji, meanwhile, had announced that he would go on one day symbolic hunger strike in support of the agitators and would follow it with indefinite hunger strike, if the government failed to postpone all works at the project till a meeting was convened.

On Wakf and Haj Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan's resignation he said ''it is a closed chapter''.

Referring to the issue of waiving of interest on farmer's loan, he said the process in this regard had already begun. A decision to this effect would also be taken soon, he said.

On the growing naxal activity in Udupi and neighbouring Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts he said he would soon hold talks with the concerned officials and top police officials. The government was paying proper attention on this grave issue, he said.

UNI