New Delhi/Bengaluru, 9 July

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday dismissed speculation about leadership change in the Congress-led government in the State, saying there are currently no plans to alter the Cabinet composition.

"No Cabinet reshuffle is on the cards. Myself and the Chief Minister are meeting Central ministers to discuss various State issues," Shivakumar told reporters.

When asked about taking over as Chief Minister, Shivakumar termed it media speculation and clarified there is no such plan.

Despite Shivakumar’s firm denial, his and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah proposed meeting with the party High Command furthered speculations.

Shivakumar also met Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at her residence on Wednesday adding to the speculations. Shivakumar remained tight-lipped about the details of the discussion. "I visited the place".

Asked if he met Sonia Gandhi, he said, “I did not meet Sonia Gandhi but I have asked for time from senior leaders. I can’t meet any one if I don’t get an appointment.”

Shivakumar, who also holds the irrigation portfolio, said that he appealed for funds to the tune of Rs 11,122.76 crore for six irrigation projects in the State. Shivakumar said he met Union Environment and Jal Shakti ministers on Tuesday.

“We have appealed to the Centre for Rs 11,122.76 funds for six irrigation projects in the State – Rs 804.66 crore for Sonthi lift irrigation project; Rs 2,660.70 crore for Indi branch canal in Upper Krishna project; Rs 3000 crore for third stage of Malaprabha canal; Rs 1,44.42 crore for Ghataprabha right bund canal and Chikkodi branch canal; Rs 1610 crore for flood prevention project at Bennehalla,” he said at a press conference. “We have learnt that one project has been approved, but we are yet to receive official confirmation.”

Shivakumar said that the State also appealed for 25 per cent of the funds for the Yettinahole project. He said the Centre has stalled works in Tumkur and Hassan districts citing forest land issues. "We have given alternative land and sought early forest clearance so that work can continue," he said.

Asked about the Upper Bhadra project, he said, “We submitted the revised cost estimates as asked by the Centre, and they have said the funds would be released. But there is no guarantee until the funds hit State government’s account.”

Asked why the Rs 5,300 funds were delayed, he said, “What to do? The Congress government came to power in the State.”

Shivakumar also said that he the State sought the Union Jal Shakthi minister’s approval for the Mekedatu drinking water project. “He has assured us that he would speak to Tamil Nadu about this”.

On the Krishna water sharing meeting, he said that the previous meeting was cancelled and that the next meeting was scheduled for July.  “Though the Tribunal’s order has allowed us to increase the height of Almatti dam, we are not allowed to do it as the Centre is yet to issue a Gazette notification on the same. I have appealed to the Union minister to call for a meeting among Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana”.

Shivakumar said he also sought early forest clearance for the Kalasa-Banduri Project from the Centre, saying the tender has already been issued. In the meeting, he informed that the Goa government issued a show cause notice to Karnataka in 2023 objecting to works falling under Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary.

“Goa has said that we have raised objection for its request to lay a power transmission line through Karnataka. We have told them that we would support them if they support us on Kalasa-Banduri project…. Goa cannot dictate us. Let the central government decide this matter," he said.

Union Minister V Somanna accompanied DK Shivakumar during his meetings with Union Minister for Environment and Union Minister for Jal Shakthi.