Thursday, October 20 2005 20:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: In a swift damage control exercise, Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh today (Oct 20, 2005) said he would persuade Infosys Chairman N R Narayanamurthy to withdraw his resignation from the Bangalore International Airport Authority Ltd., (BIAL) Chairmanship.

"I will contact Murthy if possible today itself and I will ask him to change his mind," Singh told reporters who sought his reaction to Murthy's exit as BIAL head expressing anguish over Janata Dal - Secular (JD-S) supremo H D Devegowda's remarks questioning his contribution in the post.

Singh said, "I will sort out this issue. I will also ascertain the reasons for his resignation, because Murthy has contributed immensely to the IT and BT sectors in the country."

The resignation of Murthy would not pose any setback for future investments, Singh asserted, saying, "With all odds investors are still coming to Karnataka and our IT exports have registered a 28 per cent growth."

"Nothing will happen. It is only the media which has been nurturing fears. I have no fears," Singh said, dismissing suggestions that the development would have an impact on investments.

He said he received Murthy's resignation this afternoon.

Singh dismissed perception that his coalition Government partner JDS was opposed to the IT and BT sectors remarking, "JDS is also supporting these sectors."

Singh recalled that at a recent meeting attended by Murthy, Gowda commended the contribution of the IT sector to the state and also that of Murthy.

However, Gowda wrote him a letter demanding that land allotment requests by IT firms be subjected to scrutiny, he said, adding, "Since we are running a coalition Government, it is my duty to hear the opinion of JDS also."

Singh replied in the negative when asked whether the Government's move to set up a committee to look into the request for land by IT companies has triggered off a confrontation between the Government and IT sector.