Yeddy Tries to Downplay Advani Barbs, Promises to Improve
From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Jun 6: Though stung by senior BJP leader L K Advani's public rebuke over the corruption charges faced by his regime, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa valiantly tried to downplay the remarks and promised to do his best to improve the functioning and image of his Government.
''As a senior and most respected leader of our party, he (Advani) has given his suggestions and expressed his views in the interest of the party and the government in the State. I will try to improve the image of the government and also the party unit’s functioning within three months," the Chief Minister told reporters after releasing reports on the activities of the Kannada Development Authority here on Monday.
Advani had told the media in Chennai on Sunday that he was ''not satisfied with the developments in Karnataka" and had expressed his unhappiness, while appreciating the performance of all BJP-ruled states.
The Chief Minister promised to take Advani’s remarks as advice to tone up the administration and improve the image of the Government. ''We will refurbish the image of government and also the party within three months," he said announcing that he would discuss the programmes to be initiated to enhance the image of the party and the government with his ministerial colleagues.
Meanwhile, the State Legislative Assembly, which carried on with the official business unmindful of the boycott of the proceedings by the two opposition Congress and JD(S) parties, unanimously adopted a resolution strongly condemning police action against yoga guru Baba Ramdev at Ramlila Maidan and sought a high-level enquiry into it.
The resolution, moved by the State’s Labour and Sericulture Minister B N Bache Gowda, termed the police action as “heinous" and said it curtailed the fundamental rights of the people. Several women and children were injured in the incident, he said.
The resolution said ''Baba Ramdev has launched a campaign against corruption and black money" and was representing the ''voice" of people. The Congress-led UPA regime should have taken immediate steps to unearth black money, he said.
The Chief Minister, who participated in the discussion, also decried police action against Ramdev and said it was reminiscent of emergency days. The UPA Government should tender an apology for the whole issue and address the demands raised by Anna Hazare and Ramdev.