Kumaraswamy blames media for controversy over separate statehood for north Karnataka

Bengaluru, July 31: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday blamed the media for the flare-up of the demand for a separate statehood for north Karnataka, saying if anything went wrong in future, it would be held responsible.

Speaking to media, Karnataka CM said,''You, the media, are adding fuel to fire for no reason. People of North Karnataka are with the government. If anything happens, you (media) will be responsible.''

''You keep referring to me as CM of only 4 districts. Out of a budget of Rs 2,18,000 crore, I have given only Rs 514 crore to 4 districts. What's the big deal?,'' he said.

Asserting that it was only a preliminary meet to discuss the feasibility with officials, experts, the chief minister said,''Elevated road project is only at discussion level for past 12 yrs, today was just a preliminary meeting, a PWD issue, that's why Revanna attended. Media is making it into a huge debate. On Koppal farmers, I didn't say farmers are at fault. You misquoted me.''

Sreeramulu, during the budget discussion, had said the demand for separate statehood will intensify if the government neglected the region. The issue has raised a storm with outfits coming under the banner of Uttara Karnataka Pratyeka Rajya Horata Samiti, a committee fighting for a separate statehood to north Karnataka, announcing a day-long bandh in 13 districts of the region on August 2.

For More Bengaluru News, Click Here