Ballari: Newly inducted minister B Nagendra received a grand welcome from Congress workers and supporters during his first visit to Ballari district after joining the state Cabinet.After being received at the district border, Nagendra visited Erra Tata Jeeva Samadhi Mutt at Chellagurki village and offered special prayers.Addressing reporters, the minister said drought conditions had affected the district and that he would tour all taluks, as directed by the chief minister, before submitting a report to the govt. He said around 65 tmcft of water was available in the Tungabhadra reservoir and promised efforts to ensure water for farmers. He also said an Irrigation Consultative Committee meeting would be discussed with the chief minister.Nagendra said he had prepared a roadmap for the remaining 22 months of the govt’s tenure and dismissed speculation of discord among Ballari Congress legislators over the Cabinet berth.Responding to BJP’s demand for his resignation in connection with the Valmiki Development Corporation case, he said the SIT had given him a clean chit and alleged a political conspiracy to target him.
