Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, May 6: “The earlier government used to hoodwink the minorities by claiming that they have real concern for them. In fact, the present BJP government is the only one so far to have shown genuine interest in minority welfare,” said chairman of the State Minorities Development Corporation, N B Abubakker.

Addressing a press conference held here on Wednesday May 5, he said that the earlier state governments used to earmark only Rs 20 to 35 crores per year for minority welfare, whereas Yeddyurappa, in his maiden budget as the deputy Chief Minister, had set aside Rs 98 crore, and followed it up by increasing the sum to Rs 145 crore, 167 crore, 172 crore and 251 crore in the successive years.

“Till the year 2006, during the previous four years, the governments had provided a total sum of Rs 47.95 crore under this head. During the last four years, Yeddyurappa has provided a total of Rs 196.95 crore for minority welfare,” he stated, to substantiate his claim.

BJP district president, Uday Kumar Shetty, vice-president, Katapady Shankar Poojary and district president of BJP minority unit, Salim Ambagilu, were present at the press conference.