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Bengaluru, Oct 25 (IANS) Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday sharply criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government, saying the state government was highlighting the issue of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hide its failures.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, he said that RSS cannot be banned and questioned why the government continuously talks about the organisation. “What has he achieved? Why waste time discussing RSS?”. he asked.
Referring to past controversies, Kumaraswamy said the government delayed action on the Dharmasthala SIT case. “Now, Mahesh Shetty (activist against the temple authorities) has got relief in a case. During this government, nothing reaches its logical conclusion. They waste time and mislead people,” he said.
He stressed that the government should give priority to development and resolution of serious issues of the state instead of focusing on the RSS. He said that mere criticism is of no use.
Responding to a question on Yatindra Siddaramaiah projecting Satish Jarkiholi as the next chief minister, Kumaraswamy said: “Anybody can become CM in this country under the Constitution drafted by Ambedkar. Choosing a CM is the party’s decision. No one is indispensable. It doesn’t matter what I think.”
He criticized the state government for neglecting farmers’ issues. “I don’t know whether the report was submitted to the central government or not. Banning RSS is not a priority. Solve people’s problems first,” he said.
When Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was asked about the challenge of bringing industries to the state and ensuring land acquisition, Kumaraswamy reminded that during his tenure as Chief Minister, he had initiated several reforms. He highlighted the “Competing with China” plan, industrial clusters, employment schemes and the proposed Rs 25,000 crore subsidy for the industrial sector – initiatives that were scrapped by the current government. “They didn’t have the capacity to continue these projects,” he said.
On Shivakumar’s challenge for open discussion, Kumaraswamy retorted and said that Shivakumar lacked qualifications. “Does he have the eligibility to have an open debate? I never indulged in corruption like him. Before talking about me, understand my work as CM, my departments and my initiatives. I have taken steps like starting 4,500 electric buses in Bengaluru and other development projects across the state,” he said.
Kumaraswamy also questioned the claims of previous ministers regarding industrial development in Bengaluru, implying that many projects were mismanaged or swallowed by private interests.
On Siddaramaiah’s comment that he would not ask for funds from PM Narendra Modi, Kumaraswamy said, “Why should I ask for funds? People gave 136 seats to the Congress. When the floods came, I built 1,000 houses in Kodagu without waiting for central assistance. They lack such capacity and initiative.”
Those present at the press conference included legislature party leader Suresh Babu, former minister Venkatrao Nadegowda, Legislative Council members TA Sharvan, SL Bhojegowda, Javaraigowda, Vivekananda, JD(S) Bengaluru city unit president and former MLAs HM Ramesh Gowda and Chaudharyreddy Thupalli.
–IANS
MKA/PGH