Bengaluru, April 11 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H. D. Kumaraswamy, urged the citizens of Karnataka to grant the JDS party a single term of five years, vowing to eradicate the "eclipse" that has overshadowed the state.

During his address at the Greater Bengaluru JDS convention, he stated, “Just give me one chance. I will liberate the state from the shadow cast by the Congress party. I will rectify all the chaos they have caused.”

“Though I have served as Chief Minister on two occasions, I have never had a government with a full majority. I had to govern with the assistance of others. Therefore, I appeal for one opportunity with a complete mandate,” he expressed passionately to the audience.

He highlighted the current condition of the state, claiming that Bengaluru has been thoroughly devastated.

“Those responsible for bringing this magnificent city, established by Kempegowda, to such a dismal state must be held accountable. It is crucial for the city to reclaim its former glory,” he insisted.

Kumaraswamy reminisced about the significant contributions made by former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda towards Bengaluru's development.

“The era of well-constructed flyovers began under Deve Gowda's leadership. He laid the groundwork for the IT-BT sector, which gave the city worldwide recognition. During my tenure, Bengaluru experienced substantial advancements. People must recall that I initiated the Metro system, which is now the most efficient mode of public transport in the city,” he stated.

He clarified that the JDS is not merely a party for farmers, despite its consistent support for them.

“In this city created by Kempegowda, numerous farmers' children have established their lives. Both Deve Gowda and I have prioritized their welfare. But what is transpiring now? Under the guise of development, continuous exploitation is occurring,” he alleged.

Kumaraswamy pointed out the visible garbage issues throughout Bengaluru and questioned the challenges in addressing it.

“What holds you back from implementing a scientific waste management system? During my tenure as Chief Minister, the capital did not face a garbage crisis. Bengaluru was once among the most beautiful cities in the nation. You have now cast a shadow over Karnataka, but the time to dispel it is approaching,” he asserted.

He emphasized that city development necessitates foresight and transparent governance.

“Currently, they are discussing tunnel roads, yet I had already considered this during my first term as Chief Minister. Decisions regarding the Outer Peripheral Road were made during my tenure. Now, this government claims it will cost ₹29,000 crore,” he explained.

He drew attention to the extreme summer heat and water shortages in various neighborhoods of Bengaluru.

“The city is growing rapidly, yet the government has failed to provide sufficient drinking water. When Deve Gowda was Prime Minister, he laid out plans for the city’s future and ensured the allocation of Cauvery water. The people of Bengaluru should remember this accomplishment,” he remarked.

Kumaraswamy accused the Congress government of favoring the wealthy who have constructed illegal buildings while displacing impoverished residents.

“No measures are being taken against those who forge documents and misappropriate government land. This government is entrenched in corruption,” he claimed.

He also criticized the state of the education system.

“By neglecting the implementation of the National Education Policy, they have deteriorated the system. Government schools are being systematically closed. They have failed to recruit 70,000 teachers, and there are no government appointments. Youth protested on the streets in Dharwad. What has become of internal reservations? Answer me, Siddaramaiah,” he demanded.

“You are dividing communities and establishing commission after commission. Where is your Kantharaju report? What happened to the report submitted by Jayaprakash Hegde?” he challenged.

He accused the government of continually hindering development.

“You are preventing the reopening of the Kudremukh company. You are not allowing iron ore extraction from the mines you allocated. I am attempting to revive the HMT factory, but you are obstructing that as well. What is the issue? Why is there so much intolerance?” he questioned.

“Though I may not have been elected as Chief Minister with the support of six-and-a-half crore Kannadigas, I have never governed in a way that forced them to lower their heads. I did not engage in conflicts with the Centre over funding. I confronted you and waived farmers’ debts. People’s lives will not improve merely through promises. Bengaluru must restore its past glory, and only the JDS can accomplish this,” he asserted.

Kumaraswamy stated that the JDS is allied with the BJP and that he has received a favorable opportunity within PM Modi’s government.

“We are committed to alliance dharma. Leave the discussions about it to me. No one should speak irresponsibly in public. It is my duty to protect party workers and uphold the integrity of the party,” he concluded.