MYSURU, 3 APRIL

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said he would quit the post if it's proved that there was a delay on the part of his government in submitting a proposal to the Centre seeking drought relief, dismissing the charge made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Addressing party workers and leaders in Bengaluru on Tuesday, Shah said there is drought in Karnataka, and the State government was late by three months in sending a proposal to the Central government and "Today the application for drought relief from the Centre is with the Election Commission". "They (Congress government) are doing politics over it now."

Siddaramaiah accused Shah of "lying" and wondered whether the Union Minister would also resign if it's proven so. "In September, we had given the first memorandum, in October the Central team (inter-ministerial central team) had come (to State), they too had given their report on 20 October (to Central government), if it is a lie, I will resign, will he (Shah) give (resignation)? Will Amit Shah resign? Ask him. Let him decide," the Chief Minister said.

He said, "In October itself, we have given three memorandums, after that the Central team came and inspected and gave a report. On 19 December, I met the Prime Minister and on 20 December met Amit Shah. I told him about the report and requested him to hold a meeting and give us relief."

It has been four months since December, he said, adding "Then how can he say we delayed giving a memorandum? We have given the memorandum five months ago, it's about six months now, still, he has not given any relief, what moral right he has? If the Home Minister of the country speaks blatant lies like this..."

Questioning as to why the State government has to lie, Siddaramaiah asked, "Is it not a fact that the state's Revenue Minister and I met him (Shah) with a request on 20 December? Is it not a fact that he told me that he has called a meeting on 23 December and it will be decided there? I'm ready to prove it."

He said all these documents have been submitted to the Supreme Court. "Amit Shah should not lie this much."