Improper utiization of the funds by BJP, Sonia Gandhi

16-04-09 Sonia Gandhi on April 15, 2009, Wednesday blamed the BJP government in Karnataka of "Improper Utilisation" of central funds allotted for development work. "We gave crores of rupees to Karnataka. We really do not know how the funds have been utilised," she said at an election rally in Bidar, Karnataka.

Gandhi also lashed out against the BJP for "rampant corruption" in the state and appealed to the people to cast their votes judiciously. Highlighting the achievements of the Congress government since Independence, Gandhi said the Congress took the lead in industrialisation, nationalisation of banks, empowerment of women through panchayati raj and signing of the nuclear agreement.

"The people have to take all this into account and make an informed choice," she said.
Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said Gandhi's allegations were "tutored and she had no knowledge of the ground realities".

Yeddyurappa dared Gandhi for a public debate over the issue of utilisation of central funds. He reiterated the allegation that the Centre had been meting out step-motherly treatment to Karnataka. "Gandhi's allegations are deplorable and she cannot hoodwink the people with such false accusations," said Yeddyurappa.

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