Date:20/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/20/stories/2006012011330400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Industry leaders favour a change

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Industry and trade bodies in the State are hoping that there will be a change of government as they believe that the coalition under the stewardship of Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh has not addressed issues concerning the people.

President of the Bangalore Chambers of Industry and Commerce Anant Koppar said the industry is keen on finding a solution for infrastructure bottlenecks, but the Government's "inaction and apathy" has continued. "Coalition politics has come to stay, and what we are looking for is good governance, irrespective of party affiliations."

He said that if elections are held, the likelihood of a hung Assembly is high, and this "does not augur well not just for the industry but also the State." Mr. Koppar praised Maharashtra Governor S.M. Krishna who, as Chief Minister, "initiated pro-active programmes to resolve infrastructure issues."

President of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry S. Babu pinned hopes on a change of government. He hoped JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy will take over the reins of government. "Young blood will bring in radical changes in tune with the times," he said.