Date:09/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/09/stories/2006100913940300.htm

Karnataka - Mysore

`Chief Minister's promises cannot be realised '

Staff Correspondent

Vishwanath's posers
Can the Government distribute 65 lakh BPL cards in 10 days?

It is possible to construct 50 lakh houses in one year?

MYSORE: Former Minister and veteran Congress leader H. Vishwanath has ridiculed Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's assurances on construction of 50 lakh houses in one year and distribution of 65 lakh BPL cards in 10 days.

Addressing a press conference in Mysore on Sunday, Mr. Vishwanath said the Chief Minister's statements were mere "electoral stunts", which would never translate into reality. "How is it possible for the Government to complete the distribution of 65 lakh BPL cards in 10 days? With one day already over, will the Government be able to distribute seven lakh BPL cards every day from Monday?" Mr. Vishwanth said.

Similarly, Mr. Vishwanath pooh-poohed the Chief Minister's assurance to construct 50 lakh houses under the group housing scheme in one year. "Even if 10,000 houses are constructed every day, the Government will not be able to construct the targeted 50 lakh houses till Mr. Kumaraswamy's term as Chief Minister comes to an end," he said.

He accused the Chief Minister of creating an illusion by launching many development works in Mysore in the last couple of weeks. "He has announced development works amounting to more than Rs 1,000 crore. Will they materialise?" Mr. Vishwanath said.

Before the dates could be announced for Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency bypoll, the Chief Minister summoned all the officials to Mysore and announced a series of programmes. "He has misused official machinery for electoral gains," the Congress leader said.