If not for COVID-19, my government would have done a lot more development works in the last one year, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa said on Monday.
During an event held online to mark the completion of one year in office, the chief minister said every time he thinks about this, he tears up. The event, titled Savaalugala Varsha, Parihaarada Sparsha (A healing touch to a year of challenges) was livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook.
Yediyurappa recalled the tough circumstances in which he had to work—the state faced a drought, followed by a devastating flood in last August and the pandemic a few months later.
"Fortunately, this year, there has been good rains, the lakes are getting rejuvenated and 90 per cent of our farmers are better off than last year. The PM Kisan Samman Yojana has been a historical decision and our farmers have benefited by the annual income support scheme (Rs 6,000 a year). We have ensured the farmers and weavers lead a life of dignity," said the chief minister, referring to the special package worth Rs 2,272 crore announced by his government to assist the poor during the COVID-19 crisis.
A one-time compensation of Rs 5,000 was given to the unorganised sector comprising weavers, hairdressers, laundrymen, cab and auto drivers, flower and vegetable growers, leather craftsmen during the lockdown.
After releasing the 115-page booklet on the achievements of the BJP government, the chief minister reminded the MLAs and ministers that it was time to revive the economy. "There will be no more lockdowns in the state owing to the pandemic. We must learn to live with the virus. We have to focus on mobilising resources to revive the economy at this crucial juncture," he said.
"I have never indulged in vindictive politics. I have always respected even my critics. My focus is on taking everybody along to work for the development of the state, " said Yediyurappa, in a statement possibly directed at the opposition leaders who have been criticising the government policies and the response to COVID-19.
Defending his government's policies, Yediyurappa said, "The amendment to the APMC Act has given the farmers access to an open market and thus better price for their produces. Similarly, the amendment to Land Reforms Act will encourage industries and help in generating jobs. The criticism over these amendments is not fair as they are only helping the farmers."
The chief minister also indicated sweeping changes in tourism sector, infrastructure in the state capital, and industrial development in the state. "An expert panel, headed by Sudha Murty is working on the tourism vision document, a new industrial policy, and a blueprint for Bengaluru - the Silicon Valley of India, is underway," he added.
The last one year has been politically very rewarding for the saffron party, the chief minister pointed out. "The BJP's win in both the Lok Sabha polls where we won 25 out of 28 seats, and the assembly bypolls, where we got 12 out of 15 seats, was historical. We were praised by our prime minister too. And all this was possible only due to the unflinching support of the people and the united fight put up by our MLAs and leaders," said Yediyurappa.
