Seeking to bring the curtains down on the controversial spat between Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and State Tourism Minister S.R. Mahesh during the former’s visit to the flood-hit areas in Kodagu district on Friday, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Sunday said it was time to forget small differences, and join hands for the rehabilitation of the people of Kodagu.
“The grave situation in the district warrants it. Let us not colour such incidents and be distracted from our key focus. I look forward to the continued support of the Central government and in particular of the Defence Minister,” said Mr. Kumaraswamy on Facebook and Twitter on Sunday. “I am deeply pained at the turn of events with regard to the visit of Ms. Sitharaman to the flood-affected areas in Kodagu district. She was kind enough to extend all possible support to the State when her help was sought for rescue operations,” he said, and added that he had also spoken to Ms. Sitharaman on the phone on the matter.
Expressing regret, the CM said: “Though the government and the district administration have ensured and followed protocol despite the tough situation in the region during her visit, it was unfortunate that the Defence Minister had to go through certain inconveniences, which we regret.”
Praising the efforts of Mr. Mahesh in the flood relief, he said, “Tourism and Kodagu district in-charge Minister S.R. Mahesh has been with the rescue and relief team at the affected areas, coordinating their operations, from day one. He has tirelessly worked to oversee the rescue and relief on the ground.”
