Bangalore: Udupi-Chikmagalur Bypoll Delays Karnataka Budget for 2012-13
From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Feb 17: With the Election Commission’s announcement of the schedule for the by-election to the Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha seat, vacated by Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda on March 18, the State’s annual budget for the year 2012-13 has been postponed.
The Chief Minister, who will be presenting his maiden budget, had earlier fixed the State Budget on March 9.
In view of the model code of conduct coming into force following the announcement of the calendar of events for the crucial by-election, Gowda said said the budget will be presented after March 18.
Talking to reporters at '‘Krishna,” the Chief Minister’s Home Office, Gowda said the new Lokayukta would also be appointed after elections to the Udupi-Chikmagalur seat.
The by-election is necessitated by the resignation to the seat won by him in the 2009 lok sabha election following Gowda’s election to the State Legislative Council last month.
The ruling BJP would select a candidate in the next 2 to 3 days, he said expressing full confidence that BJP would retain the seat won by him.
The party would inform the voters of the various scams of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government at the Centre and the development works undertaken by the BJP Government in the State.
Asked how the party would face the public in the wake corruption charges against its party leaders and former ministers, the Chief Minister said corruption would not become an issue in the elections when the scams at the national level were much more serious.
The notification for the Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha by-election would be issued on February 22 and the last date for filing nominations is February 29. The last date for withdrawal of the candidature is March 3. Voting will be held on March 18 and the counting will be held on March 21.
Gowda held a meeting with Ministers and legislators of the City and discussed drinking water problem faced by residents in various parts of the city.
The Finance Department has been asked to set aside Rs 100 crore to tackle drinking water problem of the city, he said.