Go broke, but do not stop development: BSY

Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa believes it is fine for the State government to empty its coffers as long as it spends money for the welfare of the public.

On Saturday, he asked Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar “not to mind even if the State’s treasury becomes empty, but take steps for the all-round development of the State.”

Yeddyurappa asked Shettar to borrow money for development works if necessary. “Pending development works should be sanctioned, even by taking loans,” he said.

He claimed he had done exactly this while he was in office and that Shettar must emulate him.

“When I was the chief minister, I honestly tried to develop the State and Shettar should also work in this regard,” he said.

Yeddyurappa spoke at the inauguration of Sangeet Samrat Sawai Gandharva Memorial Hall in Kundgol.

Cauvery row

Yeddyurappa claimed that the Union government was discriminating against the State, even though Karnataka was facing a drought.

“The Centre is also trying to win political favour by appeasing Tamil Nadu’s chief minister by calling for the release of water, even though there is a shortage of water in the Cauvery catchment area,” he said.