Gowda to take final decision Presidential polls: CM

Hassan, June 18 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said that former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) National President H D Deve Gowda will take a final decision on supporting candidate for President election.

Addressing newsmen here, he said that the party had authorised its National President to take the final decision on the issue.

He said that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government should come out with details on how and why Mrs Prathibha Patil was named as its presidential candidate.

Mr Kumaraswamy reiterated that his government was committed to introduce internal reservation among backward classes in the state and again the issue would be taken up in June 21 cabinet meeting scheduled at Bangalore. Already in a cabinet sub committee has constituted in his chairmanship and members would be announced shortly.

Referring to the new districts of Ramanagaram and Chikkabalapur he said the government has taken a decision on this issue after consulting the revenue department, however, there was no plans for new taluks in the state.

On the SEZ in the state, Mr Kumaraswamy said that the government has decided to set up special economic zones in the state, however, the government would provide the lands to the investors only on market rates. Whether it was government land or the farmers lands it should be given to SEZ only on market rates. The government would not compromise on any illegal activities in process at the same time the government will not allow misuse in the name of developmental programmes, he added.

UNI