Cong,JDS accuse ruling BJP of discrimination in granting funds

Opposition Congress and JDS members in the Karnataka assembly today accused the BJP government of discrimination while granting funds under "Aradhana", a scheme for renovation and development of temples.

"Either the government provide reasonably adequate grants to all the temples or wind up the scheme", opposition members said protesting against alleged discriminatory tactics adopted by the government.

The government seemed to be reluctant to give money to "poor" temples, B Ramanath Rai (Cong) said and charged that lesser grants flow to constituencies represented by opposition parties.

Rai found support from several members including C Balakrishna, Bandeppa Kashempur, K M Shivalingegowda, C S Puttegowda, Nadagouda , M T Krishnappa (all JDS), U T Kader, P M Ashok (both Cong), who said ruling party members get a lion's share in allocation.

Opposition Congress leader Siddaramaiah said in his constituency Varuna in Mysore, a person who is not an MLA or MLC has been going around the constituency flaunting a government order that he has secured allotment of funds under Aradhana Scheme.

"Who is this fellow. How can he claim credit for getting a government order?. Why is the government resorting to partisan attitude", he asked.

As the arguments went on, Nehru Olekar of BJP made a remark against S R Mahesh(JDS), which sparked noisy scenes and JDS members staged dharna for a brief while.

Deputy Speaker N Yogish Bhat expunged the remarks and Olekar expressed regret for it, following which JDS called off its protest. Minister for Religious Endowment Dr V S Acharya said he would look into the opposition complaints on release of funds. PTI MSR RS BN HKS MAV 02011849