Bangalore, Aug 15 (IANS) Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa Sunday promised new measures to stop illegal mining in the state as Karnataka celebrated Independence Day with patriotic fervour and gaiety.
‘All round development of the state is the best answer to critics of my government,’ the Bharatiya Janata Party’s first Chief Minister in Karnataka and south India, said in a brief speech at the main Independence Day function here.
‘I am committed to protect the natural resources of the state and will soon bring out a new policy to stop illegal mining,’ Yeddyurapppa, who has been under attack over alleged illegal iron ore mining and export by his cabinet colleagues, the Reddy brothers, said.
The chief minister called for concerted efforts to end the menace of terrorism and growing Maoist threat in the country.
Earlier he hoisted the national flag at the Manekshaw Parade ground in the city centre.
After unfurling the tricolour, the chief minister inspected the guard of honour and took the salute at an impressive Independence Day parade conducted by the defence services, central and state forces and about 2,000 school boys and girls.
Around 10,000 people, including Yeddyurappa’s cabinet colleagues, senior civil, defence and police officials, watched the parade and the cultural show amid tight security.
Over 2,000 boys and girls from various schools in the city put up a scintillating cultural show with patriotic songs.
Cabinet ministers unfurled the flag at district headquarters and witnessed cultural programmes by school children.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat hoisted the flag at the Sangh’s office in Bangalore.
Functions were also held at the offices of BJP, Congress and Janata Dal (S) in the city to mark the day.
BJP General Secretary and south Bangalore Lok Sabha member H.N. Ananth Kumar, state Congress Chief R.V. Deshpande and JD (S) state President H.D. Kumaraswamy unfurled the tricolour at their party offices.
