Date:02/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/02/stories/2006020214820400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

I will have nothing to do with BJP, says Sindhia

Special Correspondent

The Finance Minister has said he is demitting office with a deep sense of satisfaction

The performance of the Dharam Singh Government should be rated as excellent
State received huge investments in the past two years
Exports from the State registered 47 per cent growth last year

Dharam Singh gave Ministers freedom to function

Bangalore: Minister for Industries and Finance P.G.R. Sindhia said on Wednesday that he does not want the Janata Dal (Secular) to align itself with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Addressing presspersons here, he said he will stand by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda.

Mr. Sindhia said it is against his conscience and principles to associate with the BJP. Mr. Deve Gowda is also opposed to an alliance with that party.

Deputy Chief Minister M.P. Prakash has ruled out joining the new government which will be led by H.D. Kumaraswamy.

Mr. Sindhia said the performance of the Dharam Singh Government should be rated as excellent. The State registered all-round growth, which persuaded the Planning Commission to approve a 20 per cent increase in the annual plan for the next financial year, from Rs. 13,555 crores to Rs. 16,166 crores. "I had taken up a detailed exercise to provide a good budget for the coming year, but the recent political developments have stalled the preparations. If the Finance Minister in the next Government seeks any suggestion from me, I will be willing to offer it," he added.

He said he is demitting office with a deep sense of satisfaction. He will cherish the leadership qualities of Mr. Dharam Singh who gave freedom to Ministers, both from the Congress and the Janata Dal (S), to function. "I have worked under five chief Ministers and served as Minister of 16 departments in all. The experience of serving in the coalition government was rewarding," he added.

Mr. Sindhia said the State has received huge investments in the past two years (Rs. 82,000 crores) and the investment of Rs. 25,000 crores by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. was the highest in the past 50 years. It will bring in indirect investments of over Rs. 1 lakh crores and help generate employment for nearly six lakh people. It will facilitate industrial development in Kodagu, Shimoga, Udupi, Tumkur, Hassan, Bangalore and Dakshina Kannada districts, he added.

He said the Government has taken steps to prevent closure of public sector undertakings, including the Mysore Paper Mills and the Soaps and Detergents factory. Exports from the State registered 47 per cent growth last year and are now worth over Rs. 60,000 crores, he added.