Date:02/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/02/stories/2005100217470500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Government told to improve work in social sectors

Special Correspondent

Infrastructure development not up to the mark, says Antony

Other statements
The Government must spend more funds on improving infrastructure
More Central funds should be sought
Deve Gowda not dictating terms to Dharam Singh

Coordination committee of the coalition partners will be formed soon

EVALUATION: A.K. Antony, General Secretary of the All-India Congress Committee in charge of the State, flanked by Kumudben Joshi, former Governor of Andhra Pradesh, and Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh, at a review of the implementation of the Congres s manifesto, in Bangalore on Saturday . — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

BANGALORE: A.K. Antony, General Secretary of the All-India Congress Committee in charge of the State, has expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of the Government led by Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh. However, he has said its performance in social sectors and its efforts to improve infrastructure in Bangalore are not up to the mark.

Addressing presspersons here on Saturday, Mr. Antony, who reviewed the implementation of the manifesto of the Congress by the party Ministers for nearly three hours, said infrastructure in urban and rural areas has not been given much attention. Mr. Antony said the Government should, therefore, seek more funds from the Centre to take up road projects in urban and rural areas. Bangalore has become the prime destination for investors and the Government's goal is to ensure the progress of the State, he added. Mr. Antony, who declined to touch upon controversies between the ruling parties over policy matters, said: "Some controversies have overshadowed the achievements of the Government."

Mr. Antony refused to be drawn into a debate over the criticism by Janata Dal (S) leaders, including former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and that party's State unit Working President H.D. Kumaraswamy, on the Government's performance. He asked members of the Congress to refrain from publicising controversies and suggested that they solve problems at party fora. He rejected the charge made by some party members that Mr. Deve Gowda is dictating terms to the Dharam Singh Government. "I don't think the Chief Minister is dancing to the tunes of Mr. Deve Gowda and his party leaders," he said.