It is the responsibility of all legislators to ensure passage of the Finance Bill (Appropriation Bill) that will enable the Government to carry out works in the State that is reeling under drought, said the former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda.
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Mr. Gowda ruled out reports that 15 legislators, who were said to be unhappy over getting ministership, would stay away from the legislative session leading to defeat of the Finance Bill. “Every legislator has a responsibility. If there is opposition to passage of Finance Bill, no development work can be taken up from day after tomorrow.”
Mr. Gowda said 123 taluks in the State were reeling under drought.
“There is lack of drinking water facilities, scarcity of fodder, and need for employment in these areas. In this difficult situation, it is the responsibility of all legislators to ensure passage of the Finance Bill and enable the Government carries out development works. This is in the interest of the State,” he said.
Mr. Gowda was offering his obeisance at the Kadri Manjunatha Temple. He also visited the Mangaladevi Temple.
On the invitation to some legislators to his house for tea in Bangalore on Thursday, Mr. Gowda said this was his way of thanking all those who had supported him.
“I have called all those who have supported me during my rule … they have shown the D.V. Sadananda Gowda did have support of legislators. What is wrong in thanking them? There is no politics in it,” he said.
On the resignation tendered by BJP’s Kundapur MLA Halady Srinivas Shetty, Mr. Gowda said Mr. Shetty had spoken to him before taking the decision. “He is known for his uprightness and once he makes up his mind, he is not a person to change. BJP did make efforts to convince him. But we do not have the strength to make Mr. Shetty change his decision.” Mr. Gowda said he would speak with B. Nagaraj Shetty, who has tendered his resignation to the post of Chairman of Coastal Development Authority.
Resignation, Mr. Gowda said, could not be a solution to all problems. When pointed about his resignation, Mr. Gowda said: “I tendered resignation after finding a solution … Some are tendering resignations not to find a solution but because of hurt to their honour and prestige. I tendered my resignation in order to save the face of the State,” he said.
