Budget passed amidst pandemonium in Karnataka Assembly

Bangalore, Mar 30 (UNI) Pandemonium prevailed in the Karnataka Assembly as the budget for the year 2007-08 was passed today, amidst dharna by the Opposition party members protesting against the announcement of fresh schemes by Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa in the House.

The Opposition members, led by Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly N Dharam Singh, rushed to the well of the House shouting slogans as soon as the Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the Finance portfolio, in his reply to discussions on the budget, began making announcements about some new schemes involving an investment of Rs 150 crore.

The Opposition members contended that Mr Yediyurappa could not make such announcements as they were not approved by the Cabinet.

Amidst slogan shouting and tearing of copies of bills, Speaker Krishna put the budget estimates to voice vote and it was adopted unanimously.

Earlier, Mr Yediyurapa, in his reply, announced that a joint committee would be set up to implement the pending railway projects related to the State.

He also announced setting up of a Banjara Development Corporation with a seed capital of Rs ten crore for the development of 2,500 Lambani tandas located in various parts of the State.

At this stage, the Opposition took exception to the ''politically motivated announcements aimed at cornering votes''.

Mr Yediyurappa said the financial position of the State was sound and even the Reserve Bank of India and the Planning Commission had praised it. Over 35 lakh families had got direct benefit from the budget ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 25,000, he added.

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