Union Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday said that the Karnataka government has not utilised the funds allocated by the Central government.

On Congress' allegation that the Centre is discriminating in fund allocation, he said, "I am here in Karnataka and offering money. The Karnataka government has not requested but I have still announced the money."

Our focus is on the politics of development and welfare of the people- Shivraj

He said, "Our focus is on the politics of development and welfare of the people. There are many schemes of the central government under which the Karnataka government has not used the allocated funds. I do not want to say much about this." He appealed to the state government to use the funds on time and submit the certificate.

4.68 lakh additional houses for poor people

Chauhan said the central government has sanctioned an additional 4.68 lakh houses for the economically weaker sections in Karnataka. This is in addition to the 2.57 lakh houses originally sanctioned by the Centre. He appealed to the Karnataka government to complete the housing project as soon as possible. Rs 97 crore will be released for Karnataka under the Border Area Development Scheme.

Election of BJP president in Karnataka soon

Chauhan, the internal election in-charge of BJP in Karnataka, said that the process of electing a new president has begun. The state BJP president will be elected soon. 'We also hold elections for booth level leaders. Many times people elect unanimously.' At present, Shikaripura MLA BY Vijayendra is on the post of state president. He is the son of BJP's strong leader and former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa.