Karnataka - Bellary   

Hampi can be second capital, says Prakash

Staff Correspondent

Sees it as the ideal place for holding legislature sessions outside Bangalore

M.P. Prakash

Bellary: Hampi, a World Heritage site, is historically and geographically most suited to be the State's second capital where sessions of the legislature can be held outside Bangalore, according to Deputy Chief Minister M.P. Prakash.

He told presspersons here on Tuesday that the site needs to be developed for the purpose, and as a temporary arrangement, the sessions could be held in Belgaum.

`Unfortunate'

It is unfortunate that the Union Government has asked some States, including Karnataka, to return a portion of the funds released by it for relief measures, he said.

Responding to questions from presspersons, Mr. Prakash said the State has been asked by the Centre to return Rs. 158.15 crores. "We are not aware as to why we have been asked to return the funds. Even when Chief Minister Dharam Singh and Finance Minister P.G.R. Sindhia met the Union Finance Minister nothing was said in this regard. It is very unfortunate," he said.

A delegation headed by the Chief Minister will be leaving for New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss the matter with Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and persuade the Centre to drop its move, he said. The State submitted a memorandum to the Union Government seeking financial assistance for relief works, based on guidelines issued for the purpose. "The Union Government will have to be liberal in the matter," he said.

Mr. Prakash said the results of the panchayat elections would have no impact on the coalition government.

"From our side (JD-S), there is no threat to the Government. It is common for political party leaders to appeal to party workers to be prepared for elections. However, we are ready for both. If mid-term polls are called, we are ready," he said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Hampi can be second capital, says Prakash

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu