Why Did Shivakumar Postpone the December 8 All-Party Meeting?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- All-party meeting postponed due to scheduling conflicts.
- New date to be announced after discussions.
- Importance of collaboration among political leaders emphasized.
- Clarification on the value of Siddaramaiah's watch amid controversy.
- Internal government issues deemed non-existent by Shivakumar.
New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Wednesday that the all-party meeting originally slated for December 8 in New Delhi has been deferred.
“We will coordinate with opposition leaders, Union Ministers, and Karnataka MPs to announce a new date shortly,” he mentioned.
Shivakumar explained that Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and V. Somanna are engaged in review meetings on that date and will not be able to attend.
Additionally, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present a bill in Parliament.
“I spoke with Pralhad Joshi. He indicated he couldn't make it because the Prime Minister will be part of a meeting that day. It is essential that opposition leaders, MPs, and Union Ministers convene together. We must unite for the welfare of the state, which is the intention behind this gathering,” he stated.
On Wednesday, Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, Consumer Affairs, New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, clarified that due to the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament and significant official obligations, he would be unable to participate in the MP meeting called by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Shivakumar noted that in the subsequent meeting, MPs will be briefed on essential matters and leadership roles will be assigned.
In response to the BJP's critique regarding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's watch valued at Rs 43 lakh, he stated, “Who claims the watch costs Rs 43 lakh? Seven or eight years ago, I purchased it for about Rs 24 lakh. How could it be worth Rs 43 lakh now? We only realized on the day of the breakfast meeting that both of us were wearing watches from the same brand.”
When questioned whether internal government issues had been settled, he responded that there was never any confusion.
“It is the media that has created the confusion,” he asserted.