People doubt govt post-Arkavathy issue: Parameshwara

Mangalore Today News Network

Bangalore, Oct 27, 2014:  Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president G Parameshwara on Sunday launched a veiled attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah saying the people had become suspicious about the  government following reports of illegal denotification of Arkavathy layout land.

Parameshwara also cautioned the State government against the misuse of taxpayers’ money.

“There have been no major allegations of corruption against the government. But some allegations on issues like denotification of land  at Arkavathy layout have led to suspicion. I do not want to go into the details of who has taken the money and who has not. I am only expressing what people have been thinking about the government,” he told Deccan Herald.

He said the Congress came to power for standing against corruption by the previous government. People had hoped that the government  would provide good administration. The government should not give scope for any allegation of corruption . It should ensure speedy clearance of files.

Parameshwara said it was a blunder to announce the “Anna Bhagya” scheme without preparation. “Hence, there have been allegations of misuse of the scheme,” he said. “Anna Bhagya” (rice at Re 1 per kg) is a pet programme of Siddaramaiah, who announced it soon after assuming office as chief minister.

He also said it was not proper for a chief minister to hold the finance portfolio. “There is a need for a separate finance minister who works 24/7. Chief ministers have been holding the portfolio since Yeddyurappa’s tenure. Now, Siddaramaiah is also  holding it. It is not proper ,” he stated.

“A chief minister will have a lot of issues to handle.He or she will not be able to concentrate on the Finance Department. This affects development. Not even 20 per cent of the budgeted money was spent in the initial four months in the absence of a dedicated minister to handle finances. A review meeting has to be held every four months,” Parameshwara said.

He, however, said he was satisfied with the performance of the government. “Though the pace of administration was slow initially, it has picked up now. But still a lot more can be done,” he said.