Centre adopts stepmotherly attitude towards Karnataka: BJP

Bangalore, July 22 (UNI) Demanding immediate withdrawal of stay on 'in-principle approval' given by the Centre on the Kalasa-Bhanduri drinking water project, BJP today charged the Union Government for its stepmotherly treatment to Karnataka on sanctioning of developmental projects.

A resolution to this effect was passed at State Executive Meeting held here.

Briefing newspersons here on the proceedings, BJP State Secretary C T Ravi said the Union government had done injustice to Karnataka by withholding the permission granted to the drinking water project.

Mr Ravi said the Union Government had released Rs 75 crore against the promise of Rs 1560 crore on Vidharbha-type package to contain the farmers suicidal incidents. However it had released over Rs 900 crore to Maharashtra under the same package, he added.

The Centre had also meted out injustice in terms of sanctioning and implementing various Railway projects and National Highways. The plight and problems of the displaced persons of Sea-Bird project in Karwar had remained unsolved even after a decade.

The State Executive also urged the Centre to bring down the interest on Farm loans to four per cent, as was done by the State Government. It also urged the Union Government to take steps to waive farm loan availed from Commercial banks upto Rs 25,000.

The Meeting, while condemning the Naxal activities in the state had urged the state government to take stern action against the extremists groups.

The State Yuva Morcha had also planned to take out a state-wide anti-naxal campaign in the State and create awareness against naxalism.

The State BJP also demanded action against the supporters of the Naxalites and release the list of those who extend support to the extremists.

UNI