Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (EP)
Bengaluru, July 6: Chief minister Kumaraswamy has denied that he was unjust in the budget to fishermen in the coastal region. “The budget that was presented by us was of comprehensive view. It is not restricted to only three districts. Protests against it are in progress, but we cannot do anything about it,” he said.
Speaking to news reporters he asked where he was unfair to fishermen. “We have set aside Rs 282 crores for fishermen. We have reserved Rs 75 crores for Uttara Kannada district. Rs 50 crores kept earlier for Mangaluru port will be continued,”
“Those who protest do not have sufficient time to read the details in the budget. They do not understand Kannada. What can I do about it? Our budget is not for three or four districts. It is presented by keeping entire Karnataka in mind. Let there be discussions about it in the Assembly. I will answer,” he added.
“We have continued the amount presented in February by Siddaramaiah in the budget of 2018-19. Nothing from there is removed. Everything is continued as it was. The amount kept by Siddaramaiah for minorities is also continued,” he clarified.
Meanwhile serious allegations can be heard that the budget has ignored the coast. Young MLAs from the coastal region protested against it in front of Gandhi statue of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
The MLAs have expressed anguish against chief minister who they said has not announced any new projects for the coastal region. “There are no new plans for the development of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga in the budget. The chief minister has shown discrimination by announcing ample funds for other districts. The coast is neglected because of political revenge and the people here are ignored. It is unfair,” alleged the MLAs.
Vidhana Parishat opposition leader Kota Srinivas Poojary said the government which should have stood by like a mother has acted like a stepmother in seven districts including the coast. No funds are provided for fishing, the lifeline of the coast. There are suspicions of giving up several projects decided earlier as there is no mention of the coast, he said.
He added that the loans of farmers will be waived and the prices of electricity, diesel and petrol being used by ordinary people are increased.
The budget shows that more funds are released for districts represented by JD(S) MLAs. Therefore, the protests will be continued condemning the policy of the state government, the BJP legislators said.
MLA Sunil Kumar from Karkal said that state government has completely neglected Malnad region because the people did not vote for them during last elections. The river water in the coast joins the sea. The direction of the water needs to be changed to provide water for the district. Temple tourism can also be developed. The matter could have been discussed in the budget, he said.