BJP leaders' contribution for N-K development zero: CM

Charging that BJP leaders did nothing for the development of the twin cities when they were in power for five years, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah noted that there was no need for special grants if they had worked for the development.

Speaking to media persons here on Monday, before leaving for Gadag district, he noted that without doing anything when B S Yeddyurappa, D V Sadananda Gowda and Jagadish Shettar were the chief ministers, BJP leaders are leveling baseless allegations now. Grants are needed, because they did nothing. We have already given Rs 200 crore special grants to the twin cities, he said.

Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar is from North Karnataka, and what is his contribution? We brought special status for Hyderabad-Karnataka region under Article 371(J), and we extended Dr Nanjundappa Committee report implementation period for five more years. But, BJP leaders did nothing, he noted.

In reply to BJP leaders' allegation, Mr Siddaramaiah said: "I am here to attend government programme, and it is not Congress convention. We are just replying to political allegations being made by BJP leaders during their Parivartana Yatre". Whose money Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent during his election campaigning, he asked.

When asked about not displaying the prime minister's photograph during the foundation stone laying ceremony for Centrally-sponsored scheme, he said, State Government also has its share in the cost of such schemes. Why they did not mention my name at the inauguration of upgraded Hubballi Airport, though the State Government gave land for that, he asked.

On Mahadayi

Reiterating that Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Mr Yeddyurappa are staging a drama to cheat people in the background of forthcoming Assembly elections, Mr Siddaramaiah noted that Mr Parrikar should have written letter to him or should file an affidavit before Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal, to allow diversion of 7.56 TMC feet of water for drinking purpose.

"I have worked as a lawyer, and I know that tribunal would not accept Mr Parrikar's letter to Mr Yeddyurappa. Mr Yeddyurappa and Mr Shettar do not know anything, and therefore, they are suggesting to submit that letter to seek interim relief from the tribunal. Mr Shettar has not worked as a lawyer," he added.

Ticket aspirants

During the chief minister's stay at the circuit house on Sunday night, Congress ticket aspirants for forthcoming Assembly elections were also there. Dharwad constituency ticket aspirants S R Morey and Deepak Chinchore, and Hubballi-Dharwad Central constituency ticket aspirants Dr Mahesh Nalwad and Nagaraj Chabbi were there to meet the chief minister.

Mr Siddaramaiah reportedly advised the party leaders to strive for the victory of the party in the elections, and to tell people about the alleged divisive acts of the BJP.

Congress workers should not lose any chance to criticise BJP for its errors, while the adverse effects of BJP's administration at the Centre should also be informed to the people, he reportedly said.

'Don't field Tahsildar'

On Monday, Congress leaders from Hangal taluk in Haveri district, including a few Zilla Panchayat members, submitted a memorandum to the chief minister, urging him not to give the party ticket to sitting MLA Manohar Tahsildar or his son Raghavendra Tahsildar for Hangal constituency in Assembly elections. They also give a list of names of five leaders and sought ticket for one among them.

Mr Siddaramaiah noted that a suitable candidate would be fielded after conducting another round of survey.

Shri Sadguru Siddharooda Seva Samithi office-bearers submitted a memorandum, urging the chief minister to recommend the Union Government to name Hubballi Airport after Sri Siddharooda Swamiji.

Formation of Hanumasagar taluk in Koppal district was also demanded. Members of various organisations, Congress Party workers, and others had gathered in large numbers.