Yeddyurappa calls meeting to discuss Centre's attitude

SHIMOGA: Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa has alleged that the Centre was not treating Karnataka on par with other states and according it a stepmotherly treatment bearing in mind that it is a BJP-ruled state.
Talking to reporters at Malur in Thirthahalli taluk on Wednesday, Yeddyurappa cited several examples. He said that despite a special appeal to the Prime Minister for an NSG unit for the state, the plea had been turned down.The state and its capital had proved very important and needed protection for its defence, scientific, IT and other establishments, which frequently came under threat. Pained over such treatment, he said he had decided to call a meeting of all MPs of the state to discuss the matter in detail.
Even in the sanctioning of flood relief and approving drinking water projects, Yeddyurappa said, the state had been sidelined by the Centre. Such discrimination should end, he said.
Inaugurating a new school building, constructed at a cost of Rs 59 lakh on the eve of Kuvempu centenary celebrations at Malur, the CM said it was the best example of community participation. Stating that the government was spending crores of rupees on education, he said the funds should be used effectively.
Yeddyurappa honoured the school development committee for its sincere work and urged it to evince keen interest in promoting quality education for children. D H Shankara Murthy, deputy chairman, state planning board, urged the people to follow the message of poet Kuvempu in promoting peace and harmony.
Later in the day, the CM visited the Ayyappa temple at Bajjuvalli, considered a second Sabarimala, and offered prayers. He also inaugurated a second ferry launch at Sigandur so that the people living in the backwaters of the Sharavathi river could visit the mainland in Sagar taluk. He also offered prayers at the Sigandur temple.