Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Tuesday hit out at the JD(S) for its “continued malicious campaign” against his government over land acquisition for industrial and infrastructure development projects in the state.
“In the last 19 months since my government assumed office, there has been a relentless campaign on various issues, including land acquisition, with an intention to mislead people,” he charged while slamming the “farmers’ awakening tour” launched by former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo H. D. Devegowda in parts of the state from Tuesday.
Defending the proposed “land bank” taken up by his government, Mr. Yeddyurappa said it was part of preparations ahead of the Global Investors Meet planned in June.
“We wanted to ensure availability of land to those investors coming forward to set up industries. We don’t want to delay the projects for want of land,” he said.
“I want to ask Mr. Devegowda how the government can promote industrial development without acquiring land. Did his government not acquire land?,” he asked.
Mr. Yeddurappa, who recently held talks with Mr. Gowda after the latter spearheaded a stir against the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise (NICE) project, again invited him for discussions on acquisition of land throughout the state.
“During my earlier talks, Mr. Gowda himself appreciated my stand on NICE. Let him (Gowda) drop his agitation and come for talks”, he suggested.
