Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 5: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy, has launched a fierce attack on the Karnataka government, accusing it of being run by figures similar to historical invaders like Muhammad Ghori, Muhammad Ghazni, and Malik Kafur.
At a press conference held in Bengaluru on Saturday, Kumaraswamy stated that the state is on the brink of destruction due to the illegal activities and corruption by the government.
"Our state is on the verge of destruction. The illegalities, loot, and robbery by this government have brought us to this point. Muhammad Ghazni, Muhammad Ghori, and Malik Kafur are governing the state. They are sitting on the third floor of the Vidhana Soudha," he remarked, stopping short of naming Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar directly.
Kumaraswamy also pointed to what he termed as the growing misuse of power in Karnataka politics. He recalled how, four decades ago, he bought 46 acres of land and cultivated it honestly. "In four decades, such hateful politics and misuse of officers have never occurred," he claimed, expressing frustration over the current state of affairs.
This statement comes after the Karnataka government announced on March 18 that Kumaraswamy was involved in encroaching government land, leading to the seizure of his property. He firmly denied the allegations and demanded the government stop maligning his name.
"If there is encroachment, take action. But don’t malign my name. I will not bow down," he asserted.
Kumaraswamy further accused the government of using police to collect sale deeds from farmers in Ketaganahalli, allegedly to frame him.
"Has such a thing ever happened in the state’s history?" he asked, questioning the integrity of the actions taken against him.
The Union Minister also questioned the state government’s claims regarding the welfare of backward communities. Referring to a policy introduced in 2016-17 by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy demanded transparency.
"Siddaramaiah, you claim to have uplifted the OBCs, SCs, and STs – release the data. Show how many families have actually benefited. Publish a white paper," he urged.
Kumaraswamy also criticised the government’s recent decision to introduce a 4% quota for minorities in government tenders, labelling it as politically motivated.
Commenting on the recent suicide of a BJP worker, Kumaraswamy slammed the government for its selective action. “If BJP or JD(S) workers post anything critical of the government, they are summoned to the police station. This is the reality,” he claimed, accusing the government of targeting opposition party members while turning a blind eye to similar actions by Congress workers.
He also brought up the issue of Bengaluru’s garbage disposal system, alleging that the Congress government initially planned a 30-year contract at a rate of ?6,000 per tonne for waste disposal. After raising concerns, he claimed, the rate was reduced to Rs 3,000 per tonne and the tender was withdrawn. "What were they trying to do? I sought the details but have not received them to date," he said.
Kumaraswamy’s comments extended to the ongoing water dispute in Karnataka, specifically concerning the Cauvery river issue. He accused the government of using taxpayers' money to build dams but releasing water to Tamil Nadu.
“We Kannadigas are doing the work of water carriers for other states. We have been subjected to injustice on the Cauvery issue,” he said. He emphasised that the state will not get justice unless the people unite. "There is no unity among Kannadigas, even in matters related to water," he lamented.
The Union Minister also commented on the state’s handling of the Mekedatu project, criticising the government for its dual stance on the issue. "Our relationship with Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK is limited to politics. We have not entered into any political agreement with them regarding Mekedatu," he stated, referring to statements made by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
He also spoke on the importance of unity for the state’s future, particularly with Bengaluru’s growing population. "With the growing population in Bengaluru, there may come a time when even if we release all the water from the KRS dam, it won’t be enough for the capital city’s drinking water needs. That’s why we initiated the Mekedatu project with foresight," he noted.
Kumaraswamy also took the opportunity to highlight the contributions of his father, former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, to Karnataka’s irrigation projects, including those related to the Cauvery and Krishna river basins.
“Even at 93, Deve Gowda comes to the Upper House in a wheelchair to fight for our irrigation projects. Let no one forget this,” he said, underscoring his father’s dedication to the state’s welfare.
He concluded by defending his father’s legacy, particularly against attempts to tarnish his image with accusations of being a 'contractor'. "As prime minister, he rendered immense service to the people of North Karnataka. But some have spread lies calling him a ‘contractor’, trying to tarnish his image," Kumaraswamy added.