Accusing the BJP-led NDA Government of meting out step-motherly treatment to the state on irrigation projects and drought relief, Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna today appealed to the electorate to vote it out by backing the Congress in the second and final phase of Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state on April 26.
Lambasting the Vajpayee Government for "showing apathy" towards Congress ruled states, he told a large election rally here in Gadag District that the Centre withdrew its approval for the Mahadai project under pressure from Goa Government.
While Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was obstructing the Cauvery basin projects in South Karnataka, Goa had been putting hurdles in the northern parts, he charged.
The Mahadai project and Kalasa/Bandoori schemes envisaged a permanent solution to drinking water problems besides meeting irrigation needs of north Karnataka people, he said.
Urging the people to teach a lesson to the BJP not only in the state but also at the Centre by making Congress President Sonia Gandhi the next Prime Minister, he said such a step alone would help the country prosper.
He said while only 13 lakh of food grains was allotted to Karnataka in the last three years to combat the severe drought, Andhra Pradesh, ruled by BJP's ally TDP, had been given 52 lakh tonnes of food grains.
{{/usCountry}}He said while only 13 lakh of food grains was allotted to Karnataka in the last three years to combat the severe drought, Andhra Pradesh, ruled by BJP's ally TDP, had been given 52 lakh tonnes of food grains.
{{/usCountry}}Ridiculing NDA charge that Congress did nothing in its five decades of rule, Krishna said the party governments had implemented many projects.