Focus will be on good governance: New CM

PTI

Bangalore, 05 August 2011: Newly sworn in Karnataka Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda on Thursday said development and good governance would be the focus of his government.

 

Addressing his maiden press conference after taking oath as 26th Chief Minister of the state, he lauded the previous Yeddyurappa Government for giving a new direction to developmental programmes and said he would adopt its model.

 

Gowda said he would strive to achieve further progress by consolidating the development which had already been accomplished.

 

"I have resolved to make dedicated efforts to build the state with the active support and cooperation of all the legislators and leaders of my party as well as the opposition parties", he said.

 

When asked whether he would be acting as per Yeddyurappa’s directions, Gowda said "I have taken oath as the Chief Minister today. Wait for a month, you will know the results".

 

On cabinet formation, he said he would consult the central leadership, the state legislators and undertake the exercise, which will be "unanimous and acceptable to all" in the next three to four days.

 

Recalling the various challenges and problems he had faced in his four-year tenure as the BJP state unit President, Gowda expressed confidence that he would be able to tackle the current problems in a similar manner.

 

To a question on Yeddyurappa’s statement that he would come back as Chief Minister after six months, Gowda said there were several instances where Chief Ministers had resigned. "There is nothing wrong to aspire to come back to the post."

 

To a query whether he would be a "puppet" in the hands of Yeddyurappa, Gowda said "wait for a month. Time alone will provide answers to your queries".

 

When asked whether the government would accept the Lokayukta report which indicted Yeddyurappa leading to his exit, the Chief Minister said "I have not studied the report. I have taken over only today".

 

To a query the ever-smiling Gowda said, "I have been smiling for the past 50 years. I am confident that the next two years will definitely be not difficult for me".

 

"In all these years, the truth I have realised is that through smile, confidence and trust any problem can be resolved," Gowda said.

 

He promised to give a "people-friendly, development focused government without giving room for any conflict and taking all into confidence".