Date:17/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/17/stories/2006031712450400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

MLCs hail agenda outlined by Kalam for the development of the State

Staff Reporter

President described as more a democrat than a scientist

BANGALORE: The 11-point agenda mapped out for Karnataka by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam when he addressed the joint session of the legislature in November last year, is not only Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's vision for the State's progress but also one that impressed people in various fields, Leader of the House D.H. Shankaramurthy said on Thursday.

He was moving a resolution to discuss the President address.

Initiating the debate, Leader of the Opposition H.K. Patil said there can be no doubt about the appeal and sweep of the vision of Dr. Kalam as envisaged in his speech, as it touched every aspect needed for all-round development of the State.

Remembering that the Congress was part of the Government at the time, Mr. Patil said that during the interaction with Dr. Kalam, he had been amazed by the President's familiarity with every detail related to the State.

"He said Karnataka must strive to increase the per capita income from Rs. 26,000 to Rs. 75,000." Mr. Patil said Dr. Kalam is more a democrat than a scientist.

Claiming credit for the Congress in bringing Dr. Kalam to Bangalore to deliver that address, he said the former Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh had managed to get Rs. 75 crores sanctioned from the Planning Commission for making his vision a reality in the State.

Every citizen of Karnataka wishes that Dr. Kalam's Vision 2020 becomes a reality, he added.