Bengaluru, Feb 6 (DHNS): Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told the Legislative Council on Thursday that the State government will not re-introduce lottery in Karnataka.

The announcement came following criticism from his own party leaders that it will not be wise to bring back lottery which was earlier banned due to its ill effects on the lower middle-class and the poor people of the State.

Janata Dal(S) member Basavaraj Horatti drew the chief minister’s attention on State Planning Board Deputy Chairman C M Ibrahim’s recommendation for re-introducing lottery.

Horatti also said it was not a good move and also reminded the chief minister that it was he who had banned lottery in the State when he was the deputy chief minister in the Dharam Singh government.

Siddaramaiah said: “I read in the newspapers about the recommendation of the Board. But so far there is no proposal before the government regarding re-introducing lottery scheme in the State.”

Siddaramaiah mentioned that Ibrahim frequently visits Kerala and learnt about some kind of lottery where the money generated is utilised for healthcare.

“There is no need to rely on lottery for healthcare scheme. The government is in a position to sanction funds,” Siddaramaiah added.

Leader of the Opposition in the Council K S Eshwarappa said the proposal is aimed at generating Rs 500 crore to provide healthcare and suggested that the government should allocate the amount for the scheme.