BANGALORE: The state Congress while defending the UPA government‘s proposal to provide four per cent reservation to minorities, has urged the state government to pass a resolution urging the Centre to introduce amendments to enhance the existing 27 per cent quota reserved for the Other Backward Communities (OBC).
Addressing the Media after the general body meeting of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) here on Saturday, he said that the state Congress will raise the issue in the current Legislature session.
Ridiculing the state BJP leaders for their opposition to an extension in the reservation quota for religious minorities, he added: “They (BJP) must realise that the minorities in Karnataka are already enjoying such privileges for over a decade.”
Parmeshwar said that at the meeting it was also decided to appeal to the Centre on conferring special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka region, the most backward region of the state. He also urged the state government to ensure the fulfillment of the long-pending demand of people of the region.
‘CBI Probe Must for BBMP Scam’
It was also decided to urge the state government to order a CBI inquiry into the multi-crore scam in the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
“Hundreds of crores meant for development have been swindled... the culprits should be brought to book,” he added.
During the meeting, the Centre was hailed for its several pro-poor programmes, including the MGNREGA and legislations such as the Right to Food and Right to Education acts.
The BJP government in the state was chastised for its failure to take up drought relief works, poor management of resources and inability to meet revenue expenditure.
“The government must help the farming community which is facing a severe crisis,” he said, adding that a state-wide agitation against the BJP government will be launched.
‘SC Verdict Vindicates Cong’s Stand’
Bangalore: Union Minister for Corporate Affairs M Veerappa Moily while welcoming the CBI Special Court’s judgment in the private complaint filed by Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy said that the verdict had vindicated the Congress’ resolve to fight against corruption. Moily, who was here to attend the general body meeting of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) added on the complaint which was dismissed: “It has been made crystal clear that the UPA government is stern against corruption.” On Swamy’s decision to approach the upper court against the verdict the minister said that he can go anywhere he wants to. “As long as people like him exist, anyone can be dragged to court.”
Minister for External Affairs S M Krishna, who was also present, reacted that the court’s verdict was a vindication of Chidambaram’s stance on the issue. “We are happy with the judgement... allegations against Chidambaram were baseless and cannot be scrutinised by the judiciary,” he said.