Date:14/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/14/stories/2006081407970500.htm

Karnataka - Bellary

No differences with Janardhan Reddy, says Sriramulu

Staff Correspondent

`We are all one. We will work in coordination with thrust on development'

Sriramulu says he has been made in-charge of Gadag not because of the bribery charge Minister distributes `pattas' to people whose unauthorised buildings were regularised Pending applications for regularisation of unauthorised structures to be cleared soon

BELLARY: Minister for Tourism and Textiles B. Sriramulu on Sunday denied that there were differences between him and suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC Janardhan Reddy over the latter disowning the statements of senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj with regard to the Rs. 150-crore bribery charge and withdrawal of the defamation case filed against the Chief Minister, Home Minister and the Forest Minister.

Responding to questions by presspersons here, Mr. Sriramulu said, "We are all one. We will work in coordination with thrust on development."

He did not agree that he was shifted from Bellary and made Minister in-charge of Gadag district because of the Rs. 150-crore bribery charge levelled against the Chief Minister and others by Mr. Reddy. Making it clear that he was for the development of the district, he said that he knew how to protect the interests of the people of Bellary.

On the threat by the BJP members in the zilla panchayat to boycott all meetings attended by new district in-charge Minister M.P. Prakash, Mr. Sriramulu said that he would not allow it to happen.

He said that he would hold talks with all leaders from the party in the district in this regard.

Earlier, Mr. Sriramulu distributed "pattas' to those whose unauthorised buildings were regularised. According to him, of the 1,500 applications received for regularisation, 750 had been cleared and "pattas" issued. Steps would be taken to clear other applications soon, he added.