Kalaburagi,  Water Resources Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi on Thursday quipped that he (D K Shivakumar) should have showed his political strength by organising about 10 lakh people to coronation function as KPCC president.

Speaking to reporters here, he opined that there is no need to attach much importance to the claim that about 10 lakh people were watching the function on television. “I know his capacity and he is no longer my friend,” the minister said.

Jarkiholi appealed to the Union government to issue a notification soon to increase the height of Alamatti reservoir from 519 metres to 524 metres and to implement Mahadayi project and Krishna water sharing. “I could not meet Union water resources minister due to the scourge of Covid-19. I will soon visit New Delhi and meet the minister,” he said.

When the crest gates of reservoirs are opened in Maharashtra during rains, huge quantity of water flowing in the rivers will cause flood in several parts of Kalyana Karnataka region, driving the people into a corner. A discussion will be held with neighhouring state to resolve this problem, he added.