TNN
Hubli, Dec 11: Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa on Thursday blamed the Centre for the state's poor financial condition. The state has not been getting proper funds from the Centre towards various programmes which has led to revenue deficit in the state, he told reporters after taking part in a campaign for the oncoming council elections here.
However, when further quizzed in this regard, the chief minister only said he has no figures available at the moment as to what amount of funds the Centre owes to the state.
Noting that the state is facing 54% revenue deficit (till November-end), he hoped to recover the loss and come close to the target in the remaining four months. Addressing an election campaign earlier, he said the government will try to maintain the fiscal deficit at 4%.
`Cong, JD (S) on Stike'
Launching a tirade on Congress and JD(S), he ridiculed them saying they are on a life-unto-death strike ever since he became the chief minister and hoped they will continue to do so till he completes his term.
Noting that the opposition parties grouse revolves around mining, BMIC project, power, flood and financial situation, Yeddyurappa tried to steer clear of all these issues by explaining one by one.
Yeddyurappa said he was the only CM in the country who has not given permission for mining other than value-added ones. "The permission for mining was given on competition during the tenure my predecessors N Dharam Singh, H D Kumaraswamy and the governor's rule. I have written to the Lokayukta for a comprehensive report on illegal mining," he claimed.
On Congress leaders Siddaramaiah and R V Deshpande crying foul over the development works in the flood-affected areas, he said: "Instead of screaming, they should have travelled 4 km in Bijapur to see what is happening in the nearby villages. We have initiated works like shifting of villages which they did not even think of when they were in power." He charged the opposition, asking them to check the facts and figures before making the allegations.
On Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor project (BMIC), Yeddyurappa said he has given only 236 acres of land towards linking the two roads built by NICE. Stating that his government is making all efforts to increase the power generation by 5,000 MW within five years, he said "everything takes time and I can't do magic and bring in change all of a sudden".
Comparing the Congress party to the fish out of water, he said its leaders have indulged in misleading the people as they are worried of their party's future. He asked the people to teach them a fitting lesson in the council elections.
Seeking votes for party candidates Shivaraj Sajjanar and M R Patil, he expressed confidence of wining a majority of seats of the 25 seats, including those in the undivided Dharwad district, that would help BJP achieve majority in the council.