Despite caustic criticism by his predecessor B S Yeddyurappa about inadequate measures to tackle drought, Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda on Friday announced plans to embark on an overseas junket to invite head honchos of big ticket companies for the next edition of Global Investors’ Meet (GIM) scheduled to be held in June.
“With the Global Investors’ Meet (GIM) fast approaching, I plan to lead a delegation to visit foreign countries after April 15, to hold road shows and interactive meetings with potential investors. More investments will bring more employment opportunities. We are encouraged by the response to our previous GIM and hope to do better this time,” said Mr Gowda told media persons after inaugurating the festivities at ‘Chowdeshwari Devi temple here on Friday.
The Chief Minister said “An all party meeting will be convened on April 12 to discuss about leading a delegation to the Centre to seek funds for drought relief, address the power crisis and to represent the case of silk farmers, among other issues.” Mr Gowda, who has been attacked both by Mr Yeddyurappa and leaders of Opposition parties for not touring drought-hit areas, will make his first visit to a scarcity-hit taluk in Mysore followed by Chitradurga on Saturday. Three teams led by ministers are scheduled to visit different parts of the state from April 9 to assess the damage caused by scanty rain.