We weren't asked to cut short junket, say legislators

A section of legislators, who were in the eye of a storm for embarking on a foreign tour when the State was reeling under drought, on Sunday claimed they had not received any instruction from the State government to cut short their trip and return.

“There was no message from the State government or the chief minister’s office,” Congress legislator B C Patil said, when his reaction was sought whether they were asked to come back. His views were echoed by BJP MLA Chandrakanth Bellad.

Patil and Bellad were part of a 13-member legislators’ group, which returned to Bangalore on Saturday after a 15-day study tour of South America.

Following public outrage over the trip when the State was facing a severe drought, Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar had told reporters on September 5 that he had directed the legislators to cancel the visit and return immediately.

Report on foreign trip

Bellad said they would soon submit a report on the tour, with suggestions to improve various sectors in the State. The team had visited Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Dubai.
“Brazil has made best use of nature and tourism thrives in the country. We too have bountiful nature and need to do more to promote tourism,” Bellad said.

He pointed out that the South American countries had tapped their human resources to optimum levels.

Patil pointed out that Peru’s capital Lima was rain deficient. Yet, extensive use of drip irrigation had made them leading exporters of potato.

“The State government has much to learn from these developing countries,” Patil said.