Bangalore Feb 28: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today said he would soon discuss with Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel about starting flight services from Mysore airport.

Speaking to newspersons at Suttur village near here, he said even though the facilities were upgraded at the airport, the Civil Aviation Ministry and the Airport Authority of India have to complete the formalities and accord permission for flight operation. Stating that works in the airport were expected to be completed in six months, the Chief Minister said appropriate steps for making the airport operational would be taken up after holding a detailed discussion with the Civil Aviation Minister.

Referring to former Prime Minister and JD(S) President H D Deve Gowda's statement to launch protest against the government's decision to acquire land to create land bank in the state, Mr Yeddyurappa said he would reply to all the allegations made by opposition parties with facts during the ongoing assembly session. On rehabilitation works in flood-affected places of north Karnataka, he assured that necessary steps would be taken up to construct houses before monsoon. Apart from Adichichunachanagiri Mutt, which has volunteered to donate Rs 10 crore, several organisations have come forward to construct houses for the affected people, he added.

He said rehabilitation works expected to commence shortly would be completed before the end of June this year.

CM invites PM to inaugurate Veerashaiva Mahasabha

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has invited Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to inaugurate the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha and Sri Madveerashaiva Shivayoga Mandira on April 9 at Shivayoga Mandira in Bagalkot district of the state. In a letter to the PM, contents of which were released to the press here today, he said the proposed five-day Centenary Celebrations would be a landmark in the history of these institutions and one of the memorable socio-cultural programmes in Karnataka.

The celebrations would provide a forum to invoke thoughts on issues related to social justice. Nearly two to three lakh people from all parts of the country and abroad were expected to attend the celebrations every day, the Chief Minister said. ''Considering the yeoman service these organizations have rendered to the society and the mankind over a period of hundred years, I request you to kindly consider the invitation and accept to inaugurate the Centenary celebrations,'' he added.

CM invites President for unveiling statute

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today invited President Prathiba Devi Singh Patil to unveil the statue of social reformer and poet Shri Jagajyothi Basaveshwara on the occasion of his birthday on May 16 at Basavanabagewadi.

In a letter, contents of which were released to the press here, the Chief Minister said Shri Basaveshwara was a great social reformer of 12th century and a revolutionary thinker who contributed by way of preaching principles of social justice, equality and women liberation to great extent.

He was the first to teach the principles of Divinity of Labour (Satyashuddha Kayaka that is Work is Worship). His teachings were mainly in the form of Vachanas (a new form of poetry) which was a new experiment in literature as long back as 12th century. He said for decades he served for the cause of the society and welfare of the people, especially the downtrodden. The birthday of Sri Basaveshwara was being celebrated to spread the message of equality and universal brotherhood amongst the people irrespective of caste, creed, community and gender. His preachings were more relevant even after 800 years, he said. ''Now on the occasion of the birthday of this great saint poet Basaveshwara, the organisers of Bharathiya Yuva Jan Seva Samsthe have decided to unveil the statue of the social reformer at Basavanabagewadi. On this occasion, many dignitaries and devotees from all over the country will participate. The organisation has requested me to personally invite your Excellency on behalf of Government of Karnataka to grace this function,'' the Chief Minister said.

K'taka CM condoles death of Nanaji Deshmukh, Saohtri

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today condoled the demise of Nanaji Deshmukh Dr Sripathy Shastri, two veteran RSS swayamsevaks.

While Nanaji (92) died at Chitrakoot, Shastri (74) passed away at Pune today. Both have been thinkers-par-excellence on the lines of Late Deenadayalji and Late Dattopanth Thengadiji, he added. A staunch nationalist groomed in the RSS and a skillful organiser par excellence, Nanaji poured every ounce of his energy to build the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in its early days, along with Late Deenadayalji, Late Jagannatha Rao Joshiji and Atalji. He was the prime motivator for all the underground activities during the draconian days of the emergency. ''He adopted a village called Gonda in Uttar Pradesh and ensured its alround and wholesome development.He is credited for getting 21,000 tube wells digged in Gonda and also take the literacy level to almost cent per cent. Nanaji translated into reality Geenadayalji's concept of Antyodaya (uplift of the poorest among the poor) in the real and true sense of the word,'' the Chief Minister added.

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