BY VEENA RAO

“The Government of Georgia is considering a proposal to set up a trade office in Bangalore,” said Karnataka Chief Minister B.S Yediyurappa, in an exclusive interview with NRI Pulse during his recent Atlanta visit. He said, the State of Illinois had come forward to sign an MoU with the Government of Karnataka for economic and cultural cooperation.

“Similar intentions have been expressed by the governments of Maryland and New York,” he added.

The chief minister said his high-level delegation had several meetings with non-resident Kannadigas and members of the Indian diaspora, and had fruitful interactions with prospective investors during their week-long visit of the US.

“I have seen the expectations for Karnataka from the people here. I will try my level best to meet these expectations and (work towards) taking Karnataka ahead,” he promised. “Our only agenda is development.”

Yediyurappa, who leads the newly-formed BJP government in Karnataka, said his government would soon introduce its new industrial policy, which would provide a lot of scope for NRI investors to invest in the state. “I invite all industries to invest in Karnataka,” he said. “The (political) atmosphere is very good now. In the past three-four years, nobody was willing to come to Karnataka (because of the political climate). Now people are happy.”

Yediyurappa’s government is a single party majority government unlike the past governments which have been formed by a coalition of parties.

He said, like the neighboring states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, his government had also lifted several restrictions for doing business in the state.

The chief minister said his government was committed to improving the infrastructure of Bangalore and the rest of the state. “You will see a lot of changes over the next two to three years,” he promised. “We are thinking of all round development that includes improving road, rail and air connectivity. We will have airports in almost all district headquarters. The ports of Karwar and Mangalore will be developed.”

The BJP government will complete 100 days of office on September 9th. On that day, the government will release a document detailing the implementation of promises made to the people of Karnataka during election time, he said. “In fact, we will release a document of our achievements every 100 days. That is our promise to the people of Karnataka.”


“In my budget, more than 1 crore people will benefit individually through loans, medical and educational benefits,” he added.