K'taka will seeks PM's support for special status to HK: CM

Gulbarga, Jun 14 (UNI) Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today said that 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 need to be classified as backward in 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 would ensure the completion of Gulbarga-Bidar four-lane state highway and strengthen the Tur Board.

He said that new airports at Gulbarga, Hassan and Shimoga would become operational by 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 the 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 in the high power committee meeting on June 16.

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

Reiterating that BJP would keep all its election promises, he said that he would ensure the completion of Gulbarga-Bidar new way lines and strengthen the Tur Board.

UNI DP RS SKB1955