CM to speak to Krishna; state budget in March 2nd week

 Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said he will speak to former chief minister S M Krishna who resigned from the Congress and convince him to reconsider his decision. The chief minister denied allegations that veteran leaders of the party were sidelined.

Siddaramaiah told reporters on his arrival at the Mysore Airport that the party has treated all leaders with respect and has not sidelined anyone. “The party high command has tried to convince Krishna. I will speak to him soon. Congress takes all sections of people, including seniors, women and youth, along,” he said. He said the state budget would be presented in March second week and preparations will begin on February 15. However, the date is yet to be finalised, he added.

“Though the state sent a proposal to the Union government seeking funds for drought relief on October 27, the Centre has not released the earmarked funds of Rs 1,782 crore. I have instructed officials to give priority to drinking water, employment in rural areas and check migration,” he said.

The state’s achievement under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has been remarkable and hence the Union government has increased the target to 10 crore man days from 6 crore in 2016-17, the chief minister said.