Cong launches ''BJP Hatao, Karnataka Bachao'' campaign

Bangalore, Jan 30 (PTI) Demanding the immediateresignation of the BJP government in Karnataka for allegedland scams, nepotism and favouritism, Congress today launchedits "BJP Hatao; Karnataka Bachao" campaign at a rally here.

Addressing the rally, party leaders urged people tooust the B S Yeddyurappa led government, saying it is"immersed" in rampant corruption and has neglecteddevelopment.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said all effortsof the government are directed toward denotification of landsand not people''s welfare. "The entire Government''s efforts isdirected towards denotification of lands, neglecting peoples''welfare," he said.

Krishna, who was Chief Minister between 1999-2004,charged the government with destroying ''brand Bangalore'' builtduring his tenure with strenuous efforts to boost IT and BTsectors.

"The BJP government is on the verge of decimation andits downfall is expected any time. The days of Congressreturning to power in Karnataka are not far away," he said.

Krishna, who was also in-charge of finance departmentand initiated several measures for fiscal stability, hit outat Yeddyurappa for "poor financial management."

Opposition Congress leader in the assemblySiddaramaiah mounted a blistering attack on Yeddyurappa, whomhe described as a "great liar and a coward Chief Minister".

"Yeddyurappa throws a challenge to opposition to comefor a debate on corruption charges against his government. Butinside the Legislature he ensures no debate takes place."

Siddaramaiah alleged that resources worth Rs one lakhcrore has been looted by the BJP government so far, includingRs 50,000 crore in illegal mining alone.

"It is unfortunate that BJP high command, includingits leader L K Advani rallied behind Yeddyurappa to cover upits government''s corruption," Siddaramaiah said.

"Yeddyurappa has no moral right to continue in office.

He should quit forthwith. Congress will continue its stir tillthis government resigns," Siddaramaiah said.

He alleged that Yeddyurappa had avoided entrusting theprobe into allegations of corruption against him to Lokayuktaas he feared he might land in trouble.

"Hence he opted for a judicial probe," he said. PTIMSR APR