Daijiworld media Network – Hubballi

Hubballi, Jul 15: JD(S) Supremo Deve Gowda has defended the coalition government’s decision regarding budget allocation to northern districts of Karnataka, which has been criticized by the opposition for being pittance (9 per cent of the total).

Speaking to the reporters at Hubballi on Sunday, Gowda said that he will ask Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy to convene a special assembly session to discuss issues.

Gowda also said that the CM will publish a whitepaper which will showcase funds allotted by each state government to each district since 1956. “The document which will have detailed statistics will be presented in the next assembly session, will prove who has done real injustice to north Karnataka,” he challenged.

The former Prime Minister also hit back at the opposition BJP and media for calling the 2018 state budget as ‘Vokkaliga budget’. “Lingayats ruled the state for 25 years. When they have allocated cores to north Karnataka, why is development not seen? To which politician’s house did this money go?” he questioned.

Not in a position to lead anti-BJP third front: Deve Gowda

Gowda told reporters that he is not in a position to lead anti-BJP third front and has no problem if AICC President Rahul Gandhi is chosen to become prime minister.

“We are part of the coalition and have no problems of supporting Congress at the Centre. However, there is still no clarity regarding the third front. The clear picture of the third front will only be visible after 2019 polls,” he said.