Special status sought for Hyderabad-Karnataka

An all-party delegation of Karnataka MPs met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday in New Delhi and urged him to accord special status to the backward Hyderabad-Karnataka region to enable development.

"Since 1998, Karnataka has been requesting the Union Government for amendment to Article 371 of the Constitution for declaration of the Hyderabad-Karnataka areas as having special Status. This will enable easy devolution of funds required to develop the region," the MPs said in a memorandum to the PM.

According to a government statement, the MPs also urged the PM to protect the state's interests, especially on matters relating to Cauvery water. The delegation took objection to a project being implemented by Tamil Nadu at the tourist spot Hogenakal falls (part of Cauvery river).

"This project has not been approved by the Centre. We urge the government to look into the matter since it will upset Karnataka's irrigation plans," the MPs said.