CM drops foreign trip; sends Nirani instead

BANGALORE: Taking into consideration the severe drought prevailing in most parts of the state, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda has cancelled his proposed foreign tour intended to meet overseas investors and invite them to participate in the proposed Global Investors Meet (GIM) scheduled to be held in June this year.In a press statement issued here on Thursday, it was stated that the Chief Minister decided to call off his tour after being apprised about the severe drought situation in the state by a three-member ministerial team led by Panchayat Raj Minister Jagadish Shettar, Law Minister Suresh Kumar and Water Resources Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who had visited most of the 123 drought-hit taluks in the state. The Chief Minister earlier had plans to visit Japan and Singapore from April 15 onwards.The Chief Minister, however, has authorised Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani to represent the state on the trips.The Chief Minister would now concentrate on monitoring the scarcity situation and also resume his visits to the drought-affected regions in the state.Sadananda Gowda’s decision to cancel his visit assumes importance after Opposition leaders and also former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa urged him to abandon his foreign jaunt.