Let BJP MLAs read Budget Book before Criticizing State Govt – Ivan D’Souza
Mangaluru: “BJP MLAs should read the Budget book before putting false allegations on the state government that it did not reserve any funds for the Coastal district. While presenting the budget CM Kumaraswamy said that in February 2018 Siddaramaiah had presented the budget and this budget was the continued part of the same. The CM had also said that whatever budget was presented in February by Siddaramaiah will continue. But the BJP MLAs were unable to understand what CM Kumaraswamy said. The BJP has lost patience because even after winning the highest seats they were unable to form the government”, said MLC Ivan D’Souza in a press meet held at his office, MCC premises here on July 7.
Addressing the mediapersons Ivan said, “In the budget, Rs 34,000 crore loan of 42 lakh farmers have been waived. Monthly pension for pregnant women has been fixed and the pension amount for the elderly people has been increased. BJP MLAs are saying that the fishermen did not get any benefits in the budget but the fisherwomen are getting Rs 50,000 loan with zero interest. Rs 2,000 crore grant has been allocated for the development of basic facilities of the fishermen community. Will it not benefit the farmers and fishermen community in the coastal district? For the welfare of the minorities, Rs 2750 crores funds have been allocated. But the BJP is alleging that the state government has not given anything to the Coastal district. Instead of putting false allegation let the BJP MLAs join hands for the development of the Coastal district.”
Ivan further said, “During the floor test, Yeddyurappa was wearing a green shawl to show that he has concern for the farmers. But after CM Kumaraswamy announced the waiver of Rs 34,000 crore farmers loan, Yeddyurappa says that it was not a favourable budget which shows his anti-farmer mentality. Yeddyurappa even criticised that the budget was only for Ramnagar, Hassan, Mandya and Mysuru. BJP leaders should understand that only Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated for Ramanagar, Hassan, Mandya and Mysuru and the rest of the budget is allocated for the development of the entire state. Why have the BJP leaders maintained silence?” Ivan questioned.
When asked why the Mularpatna Bridge collapsed and why the PWD officials did not submit the report, Ivan said, “MP Nalin did not bring even Rs 10 for the development of the Gurupur bridge on the Mangaluru – Solapur road. The state government has reserved Rs 38 crore for the Gurupur Bridge and sent a request to the Central government to release funds. But MP Nalin has not done anything to bring the funds, he has not even done anything for the maintenance of the roads.”
