Bengaluru, Nov 1 (NationPress) Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy criticized Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday for suggesting that reporters direct their inquiries about potholes in Bengaluru to Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, labeling the remark as "the peak of irresponsibility".

In a statement to the press, Kumaraswamy remarked: “I noticed the CM’s statement... It is highly irresponsible. One begins to wonder who the real Chief Minister is — Siddaramaiah or D.K. Shivakumar. It was Siddaramaiah himself who chaired a meeting and set the deadline for filling potholes. But even after the deadline, the roads remain filled with potholes. This indicates the lack of respect officials have for the CM’s statements.”

The former Chief Minister expressed that Siddaramaiah’s comments exhibit his failure to effectively manage the state’s affairs. “He should refrain from making such statements,” he added.

Addressing the rumors of a potential “November revolution” and reports that Shivakumar might assume the Chief Minister role on November 21, Kumaraswamy stated: “That is an internal matter of their party. It’s up to them to decide. I would not want to comment on their internal decisions.”

He further remarked that the Congress-led administration has two and a half years remaining in its term but is already “making a mockery” of itself. “The opposition doesn’t even need to speak. Ministers and those in key positions are contradicting each other. Even NDA allies don’t need to criticize them — their own MLAs and ministers are doing it,” he noted.

Reacting to reports about BBMP staff dumping waste in front of residences, Kumaraswamy questioned: “I saw in the media that BBMP staff were dumping garbage in front of people’s homes. What kind of logic is that? If citizens throw trash on the streets, bringing that garbage back and dumping it in front of houses — what purpose does it serve? Instead of implementing scientific methods for waste disposal, the government appears to have initiated a new ‘innovative’ program of dumping waste at homes.”

Regarding the proposed tunnel road project, the Union Minister stated: “Let’s see when they actually start the work. Will they consult experts beforehand, or just initiate it abruptly? I am concerned about the daily commuter issues in Bengaluru. Whether they construct a tunnel or an elevated road, that’s for the government to decide. But they should stop endangering citizens’ lives.”

Continuing his criticism of the Congress government, Kumaraswamy stated: “In the state and in Bengaluru, people’s properties are being seized. Criminals are being shielded while citizens’ hard-earned assets are being taken away. This must come to an end.”

In response to BJP leader R. Ashoka’s assertion that his party is prepared for midterm elections, Kumaraswamy responded: “If he claims they’re ready, then so are we. If elections are announced, we’ll confront them. However, I don’t wish to speculate about midterm polls. The Congress has 136 MLAs; if they can resolve their internal conflicts, their government will endure. If not, it will collapse.”

When questioned about the government’s delay in conducting the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, he remarked: “What do they expect to achieve from this survey? How much has actually been done? How many individuals have participated? They should prioritize identifying the poor across all castes. Every community has impoverished members. Instead, they are engaging in political surveys.”

He concluded: “Reports indicate that there are 63,000 vacant teaching posts in the state, with 94 percent of teaching positions unfilled at Bengaluru University. With such significant vacancies, what is the purpose of conducting surveys? This is not a survey for the welfare of the public; it’s a tool for the Congress party’s hidden agenda.”