Karnataka Chief Minister leaves for Delhi ahead of GST Council meeting

K. Shivakumar left for New Delhi on Tuesday, a day ahead of the 57th GST Council meeting scheduled to be held on October 8. Sources said the visit could also provide an opportunity for Mr. Shivakumar to meet senior Congress leaders and discuss pending issues relating to appointments to the Legislative Council, nominations to various boards and corporations, and the two vacancies in the State Cabinet. However, with all senior Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, busy with protests against the ECI, it is not clear if he will be able to take up the discussion. Mr. Shivakumar visited New Delhi last week in connection with a meeting of the Congress Working Committee. During the visit, he met Union Ministers and raised issues concerning the State’s drought situation, development projects and irrigation schemes. He also submitted memoranda seeking the release of funds due to Karnataka.