Rajyothsava awards: Kumaraswamy hits out at BJP

Bangalore, Oct 25 (UNI) Reacting sharply to coalition partner BJP's criticism over selecting Rajyothsava awardees, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said the awards were not meant for sharing between two parties, but only to honour those who had contributed immensely to the society.

Speaking to newspersons here after holding a meeting of sugar factories, sugarcane growers and high level officials to discuss the problems of the farming community, he dismissed the reported displeasure expressed by BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa that the Government was selecting the awardees without taking into confidence the BJP.

The Chief Minister said the selection of 50 personalities for the coveted award was done by an unofficial committee appointed by the State Government and neither himself nor any other JD(S) leader had any say in the selection process. ''The committee has been requested to recommend Rajyothsava awardees purely on the basis of merit.'' Denying sharp differences between the coalition parties over the appointment of Chairmen to various boards and corporations in the State, he said the BJP Ministers, led by Mr Yediyurappa, have met him and discussed various issues. The Coordination Committee of both the parties would be held on October 27 to discuss once again the issue of appointments to boards and corporations.

UNI MV GD AD HS1940