The Hindu : Article 371: State hopeful, says Kharge

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 28, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

Article 371: State hopeful, says Kharge

By Our Staff Correspondent

BELLARY April 27. The Home Minister, Mallikarjun Kharge, has said that the State Government is hopeful that the Centre will positively respond to its demand on amending Article 371 of the Constitution for according special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka region.

Mr. Kharge, who was here to attend the marriage of the son of the Janata Dal(U) leader, N.Thippanna, was responding to questions from presspersons here today.

He said the delegation, led by the Chief Minister, S.M.Krishna, found hope when the Prime Minister, A.B.Vajpayee, and his deputy, L.K.Advani, promised to consider the matter favourably.

The delegation convinced the Prime Minister and Mr. Advani on the need for granting special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka region. While Marathawada and Telangana enjoyed a special status, the Hyderabad-Karnataka region did not. All the three regions were under the rule of the Nizam of Hyderabad.

The fact that Mr. Advani, who had earlier rejected the proposal, had promised to reconsider the State's request had given rise to hope, Mr. Kharge said.

According to him, nine States were enjoying special benefits granted to them under Article 371. This had helped in clearing the imbalance in education and employment, and improving the economic conditions, the minister said.

Mr. Kharge said that the nab-Veerappan operations had been intensified. The forces deployed to nab the brigand were enthusiastic and trying hard to nab him. The Tamil Nadu Government was also cooperating in the efforts, Mr. Kharge said.

On the request to the Centre to provide modern weapons for hunting down Veerappan, Mr. Kharge said that the State had been told that a queue system was in place with regard to supply of arms and ammunition. The Union Government had promised to concede the request immediately if the exact location of the brigand was found.

Referring to the stay on recruitment of police sub-inspectors, Mr. Kharge said the State Government would file an appeal in the High Court.

On the drought situation, he said 159 taluks had been severely affected, and efforts were on to provide drinking water and employment to people, and fodder to cattle.

The State Government had released funds for taking up drought relief work, he said.

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