Daijiworld Media Network – Sullia (MS)

Sullia, Sep 19: “Though BJP is in power in the state, it has utter failed in providing solution to the yellow disease of areca nut which is a huge issue for the agriculturists of Sullia and also not implementing the proposed tyre manufacturing factory in the taluk,” said MP and former chief minister (CM) Sadananda Gowda taking a dig at his own party.

Speaking to scribes in the city, Gowda said, “Though a committee is formed to find solution to the yellow disease of areca nut, the committee has not done anything. When Yediyurappa was the CM, Rs 25 crore special grant was given in this regard. But it was not utilised judicially.

“When I was the CM, a proposal was formed to establish a tyre manufacturing unit in Sullia with the view of getting good price for the rubber grown locally. Meeting was held and land was also identified at Ajjavara and Thodikana. But after my reign was over, the scheme got ended up in the dust bin.

“When I was the CM, I introduced Sakala scheme. If it is implemented successfully, 60% of corruption can be reduced. Government should have the will to do it.

“The union government has formed several schemes to raise the price of arecanut. As the import tax was increased to 130% and black marketing of arecanut was stopped, the price of arecanut has increased and the market is stabilized. However, the same could not be done with rubber in spite of many actions,” he said.