'Centre must go in for farm budget'

Speaking to reporters, he said it was time that the UPA Government at the Centre and other States come to the rescue of the farmers and the agriculture sector which is going through tough times.

“The Indian farmer is hard-pressed to continue with his vocation, while agriculture has suffered a slow growth. I have responded by presenting a separate budget for agriculture. The whole country should respond to the urgent needs of the farmer and bring an end to the agrarian crisis,” he stated.

He said he will soon tour across the State, to listen to farmers and ensure that the farming community gets the best deal.

He also appealed to the Opposition not to come in the way of welfare of the State and work towards betterment of the lives of the poor.

“I have spoken to leaders of both the Congress and the JD(S) and urged them to extend a helping hand to work towards the overall development of the State,” he said.

Asked about the Cabinet expansion, the Chief Minister said he had spoken to the BJP central leadership about the much delayed Cabinet expansion and said it would be carried out after the ongoing budget session.

Yeddyurappa turns 69

Yeddyurappa celebrated his 69th birthday by offering special pooja at Gali Anjaneyaswamy temple on Mysore Road.

Yeddyurappa, who arrived at the temple in a Volvo bus along with some of his Cabinet colleagues and the party MLAs, also laid the foundation-stone for the rejuvenation of the temple. He announced to release Rs one crore for the purpose.

Earlier, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and supporters greeted the chief minister at his Race Course Road residence. Yeddyurappa, along with the family members, also conducted a pooja to deity Shiva at his residence.