Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (PS)

Mangalore, Feb 26: Chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda who was in the city enroute to Udupi to participate in 11th day religious rituals of the late Dr V S Acharya, brushed aside speculations of the rift between him and former CM Yeddyurappa and said that he would be attending the latter's birthday celebrations on Monday February 27.

Speaking to media at Mangalore Airport soon after he landed, DVS said that he would partake in Yeddyurappa's birthday bash and wish him well.

On the Megacity scam in which forest minister Yogeshwar has cropped up, he said that no action would be taken against the minister for now.

He said that in the upcoming budget, priority would be given to agricultural sector. He also added that as nearly 45 percent of the state comprised youth population, the state's proposed youth project would be placed in the public domain for debate and feedback, and the same would be implemented in two years.

When asked about the issue of appointment of Lokayukta, which he had earlier promised to resolve in a week, DVS said that he has written letters to the concerned and is awaiting their replies.

On the upcoming Udupi-Chikmagalur bypoll, he said BJP candidate Sunil Kumar would be filing his official nomination on February 29.

Regarding the opposition to various issues raised by other parties in the state, he said that he would consider only their suggestions and not blindly concur with them.