No injustice done to North Karnataka: Deve Gowda

Hubbali, Jul 16: JD(S) supremo Deve Gowda said that the Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy-led government will publish a whitepaper on the total funds allotted for each district of the state by various governments from 1956.

He added that this the government would go public with this document during the next assembly session. The whitepaper on the contribution of all governments for the development of north Karnataka will be presented with statistics.

"The whitepaper will prove who has done injustice to the northern region. Our government has not meted out any injustice to north Karnataka," he claimed.

Defending the coalition government's meager budget allotment for the development of northern districts of Karnataka (9% of total); Deve Gowda told reporters in Hubballi, on Sunday, that he would ask the CM to hold a two-day special Assembly session to discuss those issues.

The opposition and mass media have been terming the 2018 state budget a 'Vokkaliga budget'. "This is not true. Lingayats have ruled this state for 25 years. What is their contribution to north Karnataka? Crores of rupees have been allotted for north Karnataka. If you say that development is not apparent; then where did the money go? To the houses of politicians?" Gowda asked.

Rahul as PM

Gowda said he has no problem with AICC president Rahul Gandhi becoming prime minister.

"We are part of coalition and have no problem supporting the Congress at the Centre. I am in no position to lead the anti-BJP third front now."

"There is no clarity on the third front now," Gowda uttered, ruling out a pre-poll alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"The direction and shape of third front will emerge clearly post 2019 polls," he opined.