Kumaraswamy Claims Karnataka is Ruled by Ghori and Ghazni
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Synopsis
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy criticized the Karnataka government, likening its rule to that of historical invaders. He highlighted issues of corruption, land encroachment, and the need for unity among Kannadigas in addressing water disputes, particularly concerning the Cauvery river.
Key Takeaways
- Kumaraswamy likened the current Karnataka government to historical invaders.
- He raised concerns about corruption and mismanagement.
- He urged for unity among Kannadigas regarding water issues.
- Kumaraswamy criticized government policies on land and tenders.
- He emphasized the importance of legislative integrity in water disputes.
Bengaluru, April 5 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, on Saturday criticized the Karnataka government, asserting that figures reminiscent of invaders Mohammad Ghori, Mohammad Ghazni, and Malik Kafur are essentially governing the state.
“Our state is nearing ruin. The lawlessness, theft, and corruption perpetrated by this government have led us to this crisis. Mohammad Ghazni, Mohammad Ghori, and Malik Kafur are at the helm. They occupy the third floor of the Vidhana Soudha,” he claimed, making veiled references to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar during a press conference in Bengaluru.
“I challenge this government. Four decades ago, I purchased 46 acres of land. I have diligently cultivated it as a farmer. In all these years, such malicious politics and abuse of officials have never been seen,” he stated.
On March 18, the Karnataka government announced that Kumaraswamy was implicated in the encroachment of government property, leading to the seizure of the disputed land.
He urged the government to refrain from character assassination. “If there is encroachment, take the appropriate action. But do not tarnish my reputation. I will not yield,” he said.
Kumaraswamy alleged that police were dispatched to Ketaganahalli to collect sale deeds from farmers to implicate him. “Has this ever occurred in the history of our state?” he questioned.
Referring to a 2016-17 policy, he noted that Siddaramaiah had introduced a reservation system in government tenders up to Rs 50 lakh for SC-ST youth contractors.
“Siddaramaiah, you assert that you have uplifted OBCs, SCs, and STs - provide the data. Demonstrate how many families have genuinely benefited. Publish a white paper,” he urged.
The Union Minister mocked the government's initiative to provide a 4 percent quota for minorities in government tenders.
Regarding the recent suicide of a BJP worker, Kumaraswamy remarked that while all parties express their views on social media, no repercussions are faced by Congress workers even for more offensive content.
“If BJP or JD-S members post anything critical of the government, they are summoned to the police station. This is the reality,” he asserted.
He mentioned that the honey trap case is now a concluded matter in Karnataka.
On waste management in Bengaluru, the Union Minister highlighted that the Congress government intended to award a 30-year contract, setting a rate of Rs 6,000 per ton for garbage disposal.
“After I raised my concerns, the rate was decreased to Rs 3,000 per ton and the tender was revoked. What were they attempting to achieve? I requested the details, but none have been provided to date,” he said.
Regarding the state's water crisis, the Union Minister claimed that the government is constructing dams with taxpayer money while releasing water to Tamil Nadu.
“We Kannadigas are shouldering the burden of water supply for other states. We have faced injustice over the Cauvery issue. Our state has consistently lagged behind. Time and again, neighboring states have reaped greater benefits than us. There is a lack of unity among Kannadigas - even concerning water issues,” he stated.
He criticized the Congress government for its inconsistent stance on the Mekedatu project.
“Our association with Tamil Nadu's ruling party DMK is strictly political. We have not entered into any political pact with them regarding Mekedatu,” he said, referencing Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's comments.
He warned that unless Kannadigas come together, they will not achieve justice on the Cauvery matter.
“With Bengaluru's growing population, there may come a day when even if we release all the water from the KRS dam, it won’t satisfy the capital city’s drinking water demands. That’s why we initiated the Mekedatu project with foresight,” he asserted.
He added that whenever the Cauvery is discussed in Parliament, all Tamil Nadu MPs should set aside political differences and unite. “But what transpires in our state? We inject politics, caste, and division into everything. That has been our curse,” he noted.
He reminded everyone that even at the age of 93, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda comes to the Upper House in a wheelchair to advocate for our irrigation projects.
“Let no one overlook this,” the Union Minister emphasized.
He further stated that Deve Gowda didn’t solely advocate for Cauvery but also contributed significantly to the Krishna basin projects.
“As Prime Minister, he provided immense service to the people of North Karnataka. Yet, some have spread falsehoods calling him a ‘contractor’, attempting to tarnish his reputation,” Kumaraswamy concluded.
