Power shortage will not affect free power to farmers: CM

Bangalore, July 17 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today said the power shortage in the state will not come in the way of the governments decision to provide free power to farmers.

Addressing a press conference after presenting his budget for 2008-09 he said the shortage of power was only temporary and the government will make all efforts to improve the position in the coming days.

Stating that the farming community was in distress, he said he will hold a meeting with leaders of the opposition to discuss steps to mitigate issues like shortage of fertilisers, power and drought like situation by next week.

''Organic farming and dry farming have been given a fillip in my budget,'' he said.

Honest attempt has been made in the budget to protect the welfare of across section of the society, including SCs, STs, BCs, minorities and women, he said.

''I have tried to fulfill 90 per cent of the promises made in our manifesto and we are committed to fulfill the remaining promises,'' he said.

Leader of the opposition in the Karnataka a Legislative Assembly, Mallikarjuna Kharge, described the budget ''populist'' and not development oriented. It wILL push up the inflation further, he added.

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