Kumaraswamy backs Mekedatu project, asks Karnataka to seek Centre's approval

Ramanagara, Nov 15 (UNI) union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday backed the proposed Mekedatu dam project but said the Karnataka government should directly approach the Centre and secure the necessary approval instead of expecting him to obtain clearance single-handedly. Speaking to reporters at Hunasanahalli in Ramanagara district, Kumaraswamy was responding to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's reported appeal to him to facilitate the project's approval. "We are in favour of the Mekedatu project. But those running the government should meet the Centre and seek approval," he said, adding that he was only one minister in the union government. Kumaraswamy also expressed…