CM to discuss COVID issues in Karnataka with PM, as opposition seeks spl package
"As Chief Minister of the state, I would clearlystate our stand and suggest what needs to be done to the PrimeMinister during the meeting," Yediyurappa told reporters here.
Asked whether he will seek any package, he merelysaid, "I will discuss about everything."
With the focus on boosting economic activities amid agraded exit from the coronavirus-induced lockdown, PrimeMinister Narendra Modi will interact with chief ministers ofvarious states via video conference later on Monday.
This will be his fifth interaction with the chiefministers after the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in thecountry.
Demanding that COVID-19 be declared a nationaldisaster, a delegation of opposition parties led by leader ofopposition Siddaramaiah that met Yediyurappa on Friday hadasked the state government to pressurise the Centre to provideit a Rs 50,000 crore special economic package to help those indistress due to the lockdown induced by the pandemic.
Former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy too on Mondayasked Yediyurappa to urge Modi to announce 'COVID package'for the state.
He said people, industrialists and parliamentarianshave generously contributed towards PM Cares fund for thefight against the coronavirus and Yediyurappa should remindModi about lack of financial assistance from the centre toface COVID-19.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will discuss withChief Ministers of various states regarding coronaviruscontrol and lockdown.
In this meeting state CM B S Yediyurappa will also bepresent...he should urge Modi to give special COVID packagefor the state," Kumaraswamy tweeted.
Sating that the numbers reflect that COVID-19 isincreasing in the state, Kumaraswamy said along withtightening medical measures, financial compensation need to begiven to those who have faced losses.
"A big state like Karnataka that contributes hugelyto the centre by collecting taxes, should get package," hesaid.
During the meeting along with COVID package,Yediyurappa should also ask about GST amount,drought and floodrelief amount that are pending, he said.
Due to lockdown the state is facing financialdistress and if there is no adequate assistance from thecentre, controlling COVID-19 will be difficult,the JDS leaderadded. KSU BNWELCOME BNWELCOME