YSR blames BJP-JD(S) for delay in inauguration of BIA

Bangalore, May 6 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Senior Congress leader Rajasekhara Reddy today blamed the previous BJP-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka as responsible for delay in the opening of the Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli, about 40 km from here.

Addressing a press conference here, he said though the new Airport project was conceived much earlier than Andhra Pradesh the BIA was yet to be thrown open for operations, while the Hyderabad Airport had already become operational.

"Congress during its regime had given clearance for the much needed International airport project. The delay in its opening was due to unstable BJP-JD(S) coalition government, which indulged in pulling each others legs for portfolios rather than concentrating on development," he said.

Andhra Pradesh overtook Karnataka because a non-congress government in power. The state would benefit if Congress was voted back to power, he added.

Claiming that Congress was fully committed to implement election promises, he said that his government had been supplying rice at Rs Two per kg to 90 per cent of the people belonging to poor and downtrodden as promised by him before the 2004 elections.

"More than 25 lakh farmers were enjoying free power, under Empowerment of Women programme loans to the extent of Rs 7500 crore had been disbursed at three per cent, while women belonging to SHGs continue to get loans at three per cent interest. This year we have aimed to increase this amount to Rs 10,600 Crore," he said.

He said AIIC was overseas the implementation of the election manifestos throughout the country and it made an review every six months to ensure early implementation of election promises", he added.

Replying to a question, Mr Reddy said that he would be campaigning for the second and third phases of elections in Karnataka and may campaign in Bellary on May 12 or 13.

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