K'taka to seek PM's support on special status to HK: CM

Gulbarga, Karnataka, June 14 (UNI) Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today said he would again seek the help of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in bringing the North-east Hyderabad-Karnatak Region under special status under Article 371 of the Constitution.

''This area which has remained backward, urgently needs to be classified as backward on the lines of Vidarbha so that speedy development could be ushered in. I will speak to Dr Singh and convince him,'' he said.

Addressing a public meeting here, he said BJP would keep all its promises made in its election manifesto and ensure the completion of Gulbarga-Bidar four-lane State Highway and strengthen the Tur Board.

He said the new airports at Gulbarga, Hassan and Shimoga would become operational in two years.

On the Haveri firing incident in which one farmer was killed, he reiterated the government's stand of not calling for a judicial probe as the official inquiry would do justice.

''The report will be submitted to the government by the Belgaum Regional Commissioner in a few day's time and we are sure the official will do justice. Once we get the report we will act,'' he said He said the government would take a suitable decision on reducing Sales Tax on petroleum products at the high power committee meeting on June 16.

He said the state government would mount pressure on the Centre to accord classical status to the Kannada language.

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