Hampi: Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna today (Nov 4) said work on the much-awaited international airport at Devanahalli near Bangalore will begin by December and would be completed in 33 months.

"We are impressing upon the authorities to complete the work in 30 months," he said speaking to reporters at the Jindal airstrip in Bellary district.

Work on the Rs 2,500 crore Bellary Thermal Power Station, a joint venture between Karnataka Power Corporation and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) will also be taken up and completed within 30 months, he said.

An amount of Rs 30 crore has already been spent on the preliminary work, he said.

On banning online lottery in the state, the Chief Minister said the case was before the high court, whose judgement was awaited.

On the leadership issue as to who should lead the state in the next Assembly elections, Krishna said, "I never said I will lead the campaign. I reiterate and stick to my statement that if Congress comes to power CLP (Congress Legislature Party) will select the leader.

"Water will find its own level. I know elections will be held in September. We believe in joint leadership – that is Congress," he said.

PTI