The Hindu : Karnataka News : Krishna blames BJP for growth of terrorism

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Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Krishna blames BJP for growth of terrorism

Special Correspondent

‘It was because of inept handling of the issue by the NDA’

Poll talk: The former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna (right) with Congress candidate Rathnakar at an election meeting in Tirthahalli on Monday.

TIRTHAHALLI: The former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna said on Monday that if terrorism had spread across the country, it was because of the inept handling of the issue by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance was in power at the Centre.

Addressing a Congress rally in support of Congress candidate Kimmane Rathnakar, he said that had the NDA Government taken a firm decision, the issue would not have become serious.

He said that internal security was collapsing and it could be brought under control only if there were efforts by the Centre and State governments. “It is possible if the Congress comes to power in the States,” he claimed.

He recalled the welfare schemes such as Yashaswini and Akshara Dasoha for schoolchildren and the growth of information technology in the State under the Congress Government led by him. Mr. Krishna said that he had discharged his responsibility as Governor of Maharashtra without inviting any trouble.

He said that the style of functioning of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was being watched keenly all over the world and added that the country could achieve greater progress if the Congress was strengthened.

Mr. Krishna hoped that the voters of Tirthahalli would not let down party candidate Rathnakar in the election this time.

Emphasising the need for a stable government, he said that the Congress alone could provide it. He asked the people of the constituency to assess the achievements of the previous coalition government dispassionately and support the Congress in appreciation of its contribution to the country.

Mr. Krishna said that a pro-Congress wave was discernible in the State which, he said was a pointer to the possibility of his party winning an absolute majority.

Mr. Rathnakar spoke.

Congress leaders R.M. Manjunath Gowda, Patamakki Mahabalesh and the former MLA Kadidal Diwakar were present. Earlier, addressing a meeting at Sorab, Mr. Krishna said the BJP, which sought to “divide society” on the lines of religion and caste, should not be allowed to come to power.

Congress candidate Kumar Bangarappa had performed well as Minister of State for Minor Irrigation in his government. His performance alone should help him win votes in Sorab, Mr. Krishna said.

Mr. Krishna said that the elections were being held to help mine owners in Bellary district. The State would be brought under the control of mine owners if the BJP was voted to power this time.

He said that the Congress-led UPA Government had taken the lead in introducing Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament and it would go a long way in improving the status of women once it was passed.

Mr. Kumar Bangarappa said that he was at loss to understand the purpose of Samajwadi Party fielding his younger brother Madhu Bangarappa against him. While his BJP rival Hartalu Halappa was an “outsider” to the people of the constituency.

The former MLA G.D. Narayanappa and local Congress leader Tabali Bangarappa were present.

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