BENGALURU: Critisising the call for North Karnataka bandh, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday challenged the votaries of separatism for an open debate on the development of the region.
Uttara Karnataka Pratyeka Rajya Horata Samiti, a Hubballi-based organisation, has given a call for North Karnataka bandh on August 2. They have accused the Kumaraswamy government of neglecting the region in his budget and also of not giving adequate representation to the leaders from the region in the ministry.
“I am ready for an open debate with them on the development of the region and what we have done,” the CM said. He also asked the samithi members to call off the bandh. Deputy CM G Parameshwara said, “The government has not neglected the region. Farm loan waiver will help farmers across the state. Call off the strike, as we are willing to discuss and consider all your demands.”
The Samiti, however, has decided to go ahead with its plan.