Mysuru, 5 July

Union Minister of Steels and Major Industries HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday challenged Congress to persuade Tamil Nadu to agree to the Mekedatu project and promised to get the Prime Minister's approval in just five minutes. Speaking to reporters before attending the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting, he said, "Let Congress convince its ally, seek its approval. The Union government is ready to implement the project if Tamil Nadu agrees for the project”. Referring to Congress leaders' statement on him coming back to power in Karnataka, Kumaraswamy said, "Let Congress rule the State for another 20 years. Who has objected to their ruling? People will decide in the next assembly elections who must come to power.”