“The current political situation in the State is as tense as at the border. There is regular firing from both sides as in the line of control, but it does not mean there is any major problem.” This was how Forest Minister Satish Jarkiholi described the relationship between the ruling and the Opposition parties in the State.
While speaking to presspersons, the Minister said this kind situation is not uncommon when a coalition government is in power and the Opposition tries to destabilise it. “Sometimes they attack us and sometimes we attack them. It is common. But then, it seems we have won this round,” he said.
The coalition partners in the State had arrived at an understanding to continue all pro-people programmes started by the previous government, he said. The Minister admitted that there was some opposition from some urban local bodies in funding the Indira Canteens and that the government would look into the matter.
He said he had sought an additional grant of ₹700 crore from the Union and State government funds for forest development.
The Minister said enough measures had been taken to protect trees during widening of the national highway between Karnataka and Goa. The number of trees to be cut has been reduced to 16,000 from the original 28,000, he said.
