Bengaluru, Dec 8 (NationPress) In reaction to the remarks made by Navjot Kaur Sidhu, spouse of cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, who asserted that only those willing to pay Rs 500 crore can ascend to the Chief Minister position in Punjab, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar remarked that such individuals ought to be admitted to a reputable mental health facility.

Shivakumar addressed the media near his Bengaluru residence on Monday, responding to inquiries regarding Sidhu's wife's controversial statement.

Describing her claims, he said, “We should consider sending individuals making such declarations to a mental hospital.”

The allegations made by Navjot Kaur Sidhu regarding the necessity of offering a Rs 500 crore suitcase to become the Chief Minister of Punjab stirred significant debate. She contended that her husband could revitalize Punjab if given the necessary authority, but they faced challenges in securing funds for party contributions, igniting a nationwide controversy.

When questioned about his potential travel to Delhi around December 20, he mentioned, “A global summit is being organized in Hyderabad. Our neighboring state has invited us, so I, along with several officials, will attend. Further discussions will follow.”

Shivakumar emphasized the responsibility of the central government to address the issues facing the North Karnataka region.

“Our state government has made a significant financial commitment, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and I collaborating to safeguard sugarcane farmers and tackle the maize dilemma. The Centre needs to provide solutions for the challenges in North Karnataka,” he stated.

When asked if the ongoing Belagavi session would address North Karnataka's concerns, he replied, “The Centre has remained silent on the issues concerning sugarcane farmers and maize. BJP MPs have not raised any concerns about the state's challenges.”

“Former CM and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai frequently insists that the state government should handle procurement. If that’s the case, what is the central government’s role? Who is responsible for making decisions? It is the central government that determines prices for all commodities, yet no decisions have been made regarding these matters,” he criticized.

“We are committed to providing assistance. Isn’t the Centre accountable in this issue? Why hasn’t Bommai brought this matter to Parliament yet? Why hasn’t he approached the Prime Minister and the Union Agriculture Minister to discuss it?” he queried.

Regarding irrigation challenges and project delays, he remarked, “No one in the history of the Irrigation Department has accomplished as much for irrigation initiatives as I did during my tenure. I will refrain from discussing this in the media. Let the Opposition raise this issue during the session — I will respond there.”