UT Khader slams Bommai's budget, terms it "reverse gear budget"
Mangaluru: Deputy Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly and Mangaluru MLA UT Khader on Saturday termed the CM Bommai’s annual budget as “Reverse gear budget” adding that it will take the economy of the state backward.
Speaking at the press meet today, U T Khader slammed Bommai for his "hit and run" budget and said that the government's sole revenue comes from its debts and liquor industry.
"With the enormous debt of Rs. 72 thousand crores, an approximation of Rs 29 thousand crores of revenue is collected from excise duty. As much as 1.01 lakh crore of revenue is generated from debt and liquor", he pointed out.
"No investor is likely to come up when the government itself functions on revenue deficits", he added.
Acknowledging CM's expertise in the field of irrigation, he highlighted the Karnataka Irrigation Department's debt of Rs17 thousand crore, wherein an amount of Rs 26 thousand crores is issued in the budget and argued whether a mere sum of Rs 9 lakh crore is enough to actualize the department's initiatives.
He appreciated the government's move in allocating Rs 5lakh crore for the Krishna Meldande Project and said that the amount of Rs 1 thousand crore, set aside for Mekedaatu and Mahadayi projects are the fruits of the labors of several activists and protestors.
Pointing out the government's indifference with regard to uplifting those who are severely affected by Covid-19, he said "the current budget has disregarded the needs of the working class and the destitute", and added that "the government has failed to keep up its promise regarding the construction of 5 lakh homes for the labor class. Until now, not a single house has been built. When the Congress government was in power, as much as 1 lakh houses were built in the course of 1 year".
He criticized the government's decision to build Narayana Guru Residential Schools while noting its recent rejection of Narayana Guru Tableau.
He underscored CM's negligence regarding the needs of the people of Coastal Karnataka and said that no focus has been given to the fishermen, areca nut growers, and others.
"What is the use of allotting money for 100 container ships, while the government has failed to give money to build homes for our fishermen?" he questioned.
"The government is politically, economically disabled", he said.
Further, he advised the government to first work on social and communal harmony, before venturing into economic reforms.
Congress leaders Ibrahim Kodijal, Mamata Gatty, Shahul Hameed, J A Bava, Sadashiva Ullal, Yusuf Sharif, Ishwara Ullal, Alwyn, Mustafa, and others were present during the press meet.
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Karnataka BJP chief urges Speaker to revoke suspension of 18 MLAs
Bengaluru, Mar 22 (PTI): Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Saturday urged Speaker U T Khader to withdraw the suspension order of 18 legislators.
The BJP MLAs were suspended for six months from the Assembly on Friday. They protested against the four per cent reservation bill for Muslims in public contracts, and climbed on the podium where the Speaker was in the seat and threw papers on him.
Addressing reporters at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan, Vijayendra said, "We urge the Speaker to revoke the suspension. We also condemn the decision to suspend BJP legislators, which is entirely illegal, unconstitutional, unilateral, and arbitrary."
The Shikaripura MLA stated that the BJP opposes the government’s decision to grant reservations as "an appeasement to minorities."
"We will fight against this bill both inside and outside the House and take it to a logical conclusion," he said.
Vijayendra also announced the launch of a statewide awareness campaign against the bill, minority appeasement, and what he described as "the humiliation of Hindus."
