Chennigappa seeks resignation of ministerial colleagues

Bangalore, May 16 (UNI) Karnataka Forests Minister C Chennigappa today took exception to the statement issued by two of his ministerial colleagues against his department and sought their resignation as they had ''violated'' the office of secrecy, if they failed to publicly apologise.

Speaking to media here, he said Municipal Administration Minister Alangur Srinivas and Kannada and Culture Minister H S Mahadeva Prasad had objected to distribution of free saplings to Karnataka Vanasamvardhana Trust, formed by Balagangadhar Swamiji of Sri Adichunchunagiri Mutt, in a recent Cabinet meeting. Besides, they had also vented their views openly in a section of the media.

The Cabinet had unanimously decided that free saplings should be given to the Trust and even Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had agreed in this regard.

Mr Chennigappa said the two Ministers were probably jealous of the progress made by the Forest Department under his Ministership and hence had openly aired their views. He would also meet party President H D Deve Gowda and explain to him the developments.

He said the Government had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Trust to ensure free supply of four crore saplings and accordingly had supplied three crore. Nearly 80 per cent of the saplings given to them had proved to be a success and the department had an excess of 2.56 crore saplings. The Government would fulfill its commitment by giving another one crore saplings soon, he added.

UNI