Karnataka   

I will take up MoU issue after confidence vote: Yeddyurappa

NEW DELHI: Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said here on Friday that he would discuss with Janata Dal (S) leaders the proposal for a memorandum of understanding (MoU) mooted by Janata Dal (Secular) president H.D. Deve Gowda, after the vote of confidence on Monday.

Speaking to reporters on his maiden visit to New Delhi after assuming office, he denied that the proposal was in the form of conditions and emphasised they were only suggestions. “They are not conditions. They are suggestions. We [BJP and Janata Dal(S)] will sit and discuss them across the table after the vote of confidence on November 19.” He ruled out any signed agreement with the Janata Dal (S). He recalled there was no written agreement between the two parties when H.D. Kumaraswamy became Chief Minister 20 months ago and said there was no need for one now. It was “very important” for the two parties to have faith in each other.

He expressed the confidence that he would be able to prove the majority during the vote of confidence and that the new Government would complete the remaining 19 months of the tenure of the Assembly.

“There is a good understanding and perfect coordination between the two coalition partners. I enjoy a good rapport with the Janata Dal (S) leadership, including Mr. Deve Gowda and Mr. Kumaraswamy,” he said.

He declined to comment when asked about the point in Mr. Deve Gowda’s proposal for a memorandum of understanding that the coalition arrangement would not continue if elections to Lok Sabha were advanced. He would only say, “We will consider it when the situation arises.” He said the Government would lay stress on maintaining law and order and communal harmony and ensuring the safety of minorities, weaker sections such as Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes and women.

The Government’s priorities will include rural development, agriculture, removal of regional imbalances, employment generation and poverty alleviation and upgrading infrastructure.

Information technology and biotechnology sectors would be encouraged and investments and industrial peace promoted. The Government would strive to have friendly and constructive relation with the Centre, he said.

Mr. Yeddyurappa met senior BJP leaders, including Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L.K. Advani and party president Rajnath Singh, and discussed the political situation in the State and matters relating to Ministry making.

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

Stories in this Section

I will take up MoU issue after confidence vote: Yeddyurappa
Official caught taking money
No entry for ore-laden trucks
Murugharajendra Math official sacked
Forum stresses need for research
Bank stands first in lending loans
Drainage line to be laid in Davangere
Dalits seek re-trial of Kambalapalli case
Regularisation drive
BSP rallies
Journalists told to do unbiased reporting
10 hurt in clash
A case of the fence eating the crop Law & order
Hearty relief

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu