The Hindu Business Line : Krishna promises to stand firm on IBRD loan issue

THE Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr S.M. Krishna, has said that if he returns to power, his Government will not let the Centre arm-twist the State on issues of Central grants and World Bank loans.

Mr Krishna told Business Line that if the BJP-led front comes back to power and tries to discriminate against Karnataka, his Government would take measures to resist such a move. "We will not let them run amok. We know how to resist. ... how to bring them back to sanity. If they persist in discrimination, there are 100 methods. I don't want to sound too rash, but there is a limit to my patience," he said.

On the issue of a World Bank tranche being denied to the State, Mr Krishna said such a situation would not arise again. "I will be far more aggressive (in case it happens again). I will not take it lying down," he said. "But then, we are sure our party (Congress) will come to power at the Centre," he said.

He said he would be far more aggressive and purposeful in running the government if he returns to power. "You will see a far more purposeful chief minister. Now I know the bureaucracy well," he said.

Mr Krishna said the five years of rule in the State had made him realise some of the areas of weaknesses and this would help him run the State better for the next five years.

"Everyone learns by experience. I feel it would be possible to improve the State. I know the areas of weaknesses," he said. "Now it has become easier for me to handle the State," he said.

He said he would appoint bureaucrats in key posts based on their commitment to the State's welfare. "I now know who are committed to development and who are not. I think only those bureaucrats with conviction, dedication, involvement and commitment can help a government progress," he said. Mr Krishna admitted that some of the investments promised during the global investors meet had not materialised. "That is true of every meet of that kind. It will take some time before the investments start pouring in," he said. He said investors would have a wider choice in terms of location. "We will start directing them to other cities, such as Mysore, Mangalore and Hubli-Dharwad," he said. He said in case his party returns to power, it will take a fresh look on the labour issue. "We will take a liberal view on the labour front," he said.

He said his government would focus more on rural and urban infrastructure. "If we can improve the infrastructure, then prosperity will follow and investment will automatically flow," he said.

More Stories on : Politics | RBI & Other Central Banks | Karnataka

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