Yeddy Turns 69; Seeks to Ease Tension with Opposition

Bangalore, Feb 27 (PTI) : Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa who turned 69 today appealed to the opposition not to come in the way of welfare of the state and work towards betterment of the lives of the poor. 

Yeddyurappa said he had vowed to take the opposition leaders into confidence despite their "belligerent" behaviour towards him and his government ever since BJP came to power in 2008."I have spoken to leaders of both Congress and JD(S) and urged them to extend a helping hand to work towards bettering the lives of the poor and ensure overall development of the State," he said.

"There could be some misunderstanding with opposition leaders due to personal reasons. But I appeal to them that this should not come in the way of the welfare of the State," Yeddyurappa said.

The Chief Minister said he had spoken to the BJP central leadership about the much delayed cabinet expansion and said it would be carried out after the ongoing Budget session.
He said the state government would do everything in its power to help stranded Kannadigas stuck in strife-torn Libya.

Yeddyurappa said the main aim of the BJP government was to ensure all round development of Karnataka.

"I will tour across the state, hear the problems of the farmer, all other citizens and ensure that the farming community gets the best deal," he said.

It was high time the UPA government at the centre and other states come to the rescue of the farmers and the agriculture sector which is going through tough times, he said.
"The Indian farmer is hard-pressed to continue with his vocation, while agriculture has suffered a slow growth. I have responded by presenting a separate budget for agriculture. The whole country should respond to the urgent needs of the farmer and bring an end to the agrarian crisis", he said.