Bangalore: Governor H R Bhardwaj on Thursday is understood to have conveyed his displeasure to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over government spending huge sum on renovation of PWD Minister H C Mahadevappa’s official quarters and changing of rules by the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) allegedly to help Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree to make her eligible to take up research programme.
In a meeting held at Raj Bhavan, the governor is learnt to have said spending large sum of taxpayers’ money for renovation of ministers’ bungalow and offices is not appropriate at a time when the State is reeling under drought.
He also advised the chief minister not to allow his cabinet colleagues take any step that would bring disrepute to the government.
The governor, who is the chancellor of universities in the State, also sought details on the KSOU controversy.
Besides, he asked the chief minister to take steps to provide relief to those affected by drought in the State.
Siddaramaiah had sought an appointment with the governor and they held a meeting for nearly 45 minutes.
Official sources in the chief minister’s office said it was a courtesy visit by Siddaramaiah.
Mahadevappa has taken up renovation of his quarters located off Kumara Krupa Road at a cost of Rs 75 lakh.
The move has attracted criticism from all quarters. Besides, Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya recently spent about Rs 20 lakh for sprucing his office at Vidhana Soudha.
Council nomination
Officials in the CM’s office said Siddaramaiah held consultation with Bhardwaj on the recommendations to be made for nominating members to the State Legislative Council.
The chief minister wanted to consult specifically about the procedure to be followed in making the recommendation.
The governor had recently sent back a file by the chief minister, recommending the nomination of Congress leader Abdul Jabbar to the Council. The governor had cited lack proper information as the reason for sending back the file.
Meanwhile, KPCC chief G Parameshwara has criticised the renovation of PWD minister’s bunglow, saying that it is not proper to squander tax-payers’ money.
People have expressed their anger over the issue. Renovation should be taken up only when necessary, he added. Asked about legislators’ plans to go on foreign junket, he said he will direct all Congress legislators to drop the idea, if any, in view of the drought.
The State Congress chief said he will also urge the Legislative Assembly Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa and Council Chairman D H Shankarmurthy not to give permission for foreign tour.
