BSY for mass movement on classical status

Bangalore, Sep 9 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today threatened to launch a people's movement if the Centre failed to accord classical status to Kannada within a year.

Addressing a function to mark the completion of his first 100 days in office here,Mr Yeddyurappa said he would lead a mass movement with the people of the state for the cause of Kannada.

He would go before the people to focus on the inordinate delay by the Centre in according the classical status.

The state was now celebrating the Suvarna Karnataka Year, he said adding it was proper the Centre extended the classical status to Kannada this year itself.

''It is our birth right and we should get it,'' he said.

The Chief Minister said his government was committed to protect the interests of all sections of the people adding he would quit the post if he failed in his duty to promote communal harmony and peace in the state.

He also announced extending the period of the ongoing Lok Ayukta inquiry into illegal mining till date, including his 100 days as the Chief Minister, following the allegations of favouring mining lobby.

Presently, the Lok Ayukta is carrying out the inquiry from 2000 to 2006.

Mr Yeddyurappa also announced to set up a new task force for monitoring the quality of project works in the state. He also released a report of his government achievements in the last 100 days.

UNI SIV SKB AM NS1403