Mandya (Karnataka), Jan 23 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy criticized the Congress government in Karnataka, asserting that the slogan “Go back Governor” propagated by the Congress party is futile and merely a façade of political theatrics.

He claimed that rather than engaging in self-reflection, the Congress-led administration is waging a deceptive campaign against the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G Ram G) scheme to mask its own injustices and illegal actions over the last two-and-a-half years.

While addressing the press after inaugurating the newly built Sri Maramma Devi Temple in Shivalli village within the Melukote Assembly constituency, Kumaraswamy urged the Congress to remember its past stance on Governor-related matters to recognize its own inconsistencies.

“They are squandering time by calling for a special session. This isn’t the first instance of a Governor declining to read a speech or shortening one. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who served as Deputy Chief Minister during J.H. Patel's term, should recall what transpired then. What we are witnessing now is an unnecessary conflict within the Legislative Assembly,” he stated.

“Will confrontations like these resolve the state’s issues? ‘Go back Governor’ is simply a political performance,” the Union Minister remarked.

He accused the state government of attempting to attack the Centre by raising the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) issue and suggested that this was the underlying motive for convening the special session.

“They consistently invoke the names of Dalits to bolster their political stance. The Congress government has rerouted funds intended for Scheduled Castes and other marginalized groups to execute guarantee schemes. Is this what true upliftment of Dalits entails?” he questioned.

Kumaraswamy alleged multiple irregularities have occurred under the current administration. “Although the Governor possesses the power to act against unlawful decisions, he has not engaged in confrontation with our government as some Governors in different states have. The Congress government has failed to recognize this,” he remarked.

He also claimed that the state government lacks transparency with the Centre regarding Central funds, stating, “Due to their errors, certain National Highway projects have been scrapped. Who is accountable for this?”

Accusing the government of continually doing injustice to farmers, Kumaraswamy said: “Have you safeguarded farmers who have cultivated their crops? How much crop procurement have you completed as per the Centre’s approved regulations? When mango prices plummeted, they sought assistance from the Centre. During my tenure as Chief Minister, when mango prices dropped, the state government itself provided compensation. They are incapable of taking action, yet they continue to seek excuses to blame the Centre.”

“Conflict will not resolve issues. I urge the state government to address matters by maintaining trust with the Centre. They assert they pay substantial taxes, but it is the citizens who bear the tax burden. The Assembly should focus on discussing state problems. Mere theatrical displays will not yield results,” he concluded.

In response to a query about his potential return to state politics, Kumaraswamy stated that Karnataka remains his political domain.

“I will contest elections wherever the populace expects me to. I had no intention of running for the Lok Sabha from Mandya. My wish was for Puttaraju to contest. Circumstances compelled me to enter the race. I never anticipated becoming an MP or a Union Minister. Those departing our party claimed that JD(S) was done for. They are unaware of how our party is strengthening. Some individuals are fixated on the JD(S) and are persistently anxious about its elimination,” he expressed.

Addressing a question regarding former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda’s assertion of no alliances in local body elections, Kumaraswamy stated that JD(S) and BJP would collaborate to dismantle what he termed the misrule of the Congress government.

“We will make alliance decisions aligned with the expectations of the people. Competition at the local level is normal and exists among all parties. Party members discuss positions and ranks. We will reach a final decision on these matters,” he added.

Former minister C.S. Puttaraju was present at the event.