We are ending up as losers for following financial discipline: Karnataka Minister
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Thursday said the state is ending up as losers for following financial discipline.
The minister, who presented the Karnataka Appropriation Bill of Rs 6,279.87 crore, reminded the Centre not to overexploit Karnataka, which is a "golden goose".
During the discussion on the bill, which was later passed by the House, the Leader of Opposition BJP R Ashoka pointed out that the revenue deficit was 2.95 per cent, which was touching the border line of financial crisis.
Gowda, who presented the bill in the House on behalf of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, dismissed the fear saying that the revenue deficit was well within three per cent as prescribed by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act.
The minister noted that many states in the country indulged in "indiscriminate borrowings" as they overlooked the FRBM Act.
He pointed out that those who respect the FRBM Act, mainly the southern states, are punished, while those ignoring it are rewarded by the Centre.
"We are ending up as losers for following the financial discipline," the minister said, adding that most of the southern states are the victims of this discrimination.
The government said the money is needed for defraying the several charges, which will come in the course of payment.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
