PTI

Bangalore, May 6: Pushing for a stable government in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajashekhara Reddy on Tuesday attributed the delay in commissioning of the Bangalore International Airport to "political instability" that prevailed in the state during the last four years.

"International Airport started in Karnataka earlier than Andhra Pradesh. Unfortunately it is yet to be inaugurated. We have made it (Hyderabad) operational one-and-a-half-months ago," Reddy, whom the state unit Congress has roped in for campaigning in parts of the city, told reporters here.

Karnataka was the envy of other states when Congress ruled it, for it was a preferred destination for investments in IT sector, he said and claimed after the state came under coalition governments, the investment climate has suffered.

He defended the poll promises held out by Congress in Karnataka on distributing rice at Rs 2 per kg and free power to farmers.

"Many Congress leaders and even economic experts in the party expressed doubts whether we can honour the promise of free power.But I implemented it. We are purchasing power at Rs eight to nine per unit and supplying to 25 lakh farmers", Reddy said.

The airport's opening, which was scheduled for March 28, had been postponed due to a host of issues like retaining the existing HAL airport for short haul flights and user charge levy. The assembly polls also forced postponement of the event.

Reddy said he would also campaign for the party in the second phase and appealed to the electorate "to vote for Congress for stable government."

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