Forest Minister charges his ministerial collegues

Bangalore, May 16 (UNI) Karnataka Forest Minister C Channigappa today took exception to the statement issued by two of his ministerial colleagues against his department and sought their resignation as they had 'violated office of secrecy.' Speaking to newsmen here, he said that Alangur Srinivas (Municipal Administration) and H S Mahadeva Prasad (Kannada and Culture) had objected to distribution of free saplings to Karnataka Vanasamvardhana Trust formed by Balagangadhar Swamiji of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mutt in the 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.

Replying to queries, he said the two ministers were probably jealous about the progress made by the Forest Department under his ministership and hence had openly aired their views. He urged Chief Minister Kumaraswamy to initiate action against them if they failed to publicly apologies. He would also meet Party President H D Deve Gowda and explain to him about 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 success and the department had excess of 2.56 crore saplings even now. The government would fulfill its commitment by giving another one crore saplings soon, he added.

UNI