If they can't understand the budget, what can I do: HDK hits back at BJP MLAs

Bengaluru: Taking a dig at BJP legislators for their claim that the coast had been given a raw deal in the state budget, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy wondered what he could do when they had not understood his budget?

Talking to reporters on Friday, the CM asserted that his budget had focused on the overall development of the state and not neglected any region. "Let them point out which district and which section has been neglected. I am ready to reply to their questions.. As for the criticism that the prices of petroleum products, liquor and electricity were hiked to clear the debts of farmers, I will reply when there is a detailed debate in the House". Rebutting the criticism that he had given more projects to three or four districts like Mandya, Hassan, Ramanagara and Mysuru, Mr Kumaraswamy said Rs 500 crore had been earmarked in the budget for development of industrial clusters in six districts of north Karnataka. Besides, sufficient funds had been reserved for development of industries in Bidar, Kalburagi, Belagavi, Yadgir and Koppal.

When his attention was drawn to a letter written by former minister H.K. Patil to Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah seeking a meeting to discuss the apathy towards N-K region, the CM said he was not aware of any such letter. On the BJP's claim that enough funds had not been given to the coastal districts, Mr Kumaraswamy said he had continued the budgetary allocation made by the previous Siddaramaiah government for development of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts.

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