Date:11/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/11/stories/2007111150410100.htm

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Priority to rural development

Special Correspondent

Yeddiyurappa promises a people-friendly and stable government

— Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

Sweet moment: B.S. Yeddyurappa with his grandchild at his residence in Bangalore on Saturday.

BANGALORE: Chief Minister-in-waiting B.S. Yeddyurappa on Saturday promised that he would provide a stable and people-friendly government for the next 19 months, and the focus would be on rural development.

Addressing presspersons at his residence here, Mr. Yeddyurappa, who is likely to be sworn in on Monday, said the new government would expedite the implementation of all rural development programmes. The Government would respond to the grievances of the rural masses and make efforts to solve their problems.

Mr. Yeddyurappa, who visited the former Home Minister M.P. Prakash’s residence, sought the support of the Opposition to provide a stable administration. He said he would soon call on the former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (S) president H.D. Deve Gowda and try to sort out differences between the BJP and Janata Dal (S) so as to provide an efficient administration.

Mr. Yeddyurappa said he had invited Mr. Prakash to join the new government. Details of the talks between two leaders were not available. Mr. Yeddyurappa said a session of the Legislative Assembly would be convened soon for the floor test. Asked about distribution of portfolios, he said the list of BJP ministers had not been prepared.

On the death of three JD(S) workers in Bellary district, Mr. Yeddyurappa said “no political colour should be given to the incident”.

State BJP spokesperson Suresh Kumar also said it was a local incident.

Mr. Yeddyurappa also met the former Jharkhand Governor, M. Rama Jois.