Bengaluru/New Delhi, Sep 30 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, addressed the Congress-led Karnataka government on Tuesday, advising against continuous confrontations with the Central government, stating that such disputes are not beneficial.

During a press briefing at his residence in New Delhi, Kumaraswamy emphasized, "Place your trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Articulate your requests appropriately, and the Centre will respond. Cease the harsh rhetoric."

He noted that not a single Minister or official has approached Union Ministers regarding the devastating floods in North Karnataka.

"Relief measures should have been underway by now. Enough with mere video conferences and anger. Will anger resolve issues? It’s time to organize Ministers into teams and deploy them. Where has all their strength and courage disappeared? Previously, they conducted 'padayatras' (foot marches), but now, they are failing to engage constructively with the Centre on state development," he added.

The Union Minister pointed out, "Over a year has passed since the Narendra Modi government commenced its third term, and yet, no state Minister has met with me. Just criticizing won’t suffice. Come to Delhi, engage with the Centre, and present the real situation. The Centre will respond."

Kumaraswamy criticized the state government for its focus on irrelevant matters like the caste census, which he argued only breeds new issues.

"This government has not delivered any benefits to the populace. Cease the blind praise for the Kantharaj Commission. You’ve made promises—are these promises aiding Kalyana Karnataka now?" he questioned.

He highlighted the deteriorating condition of Bengaluru city.

"The Bengaluru Minister is occupied, so the Chief Minister had to tour the city without him. The Chief Minister inspected a repaired pothole, only to find that the tar layer laid behind him was already peeling off," he criticized.

Kumaraswamy lamented the state government’s financial management, asserting, "I’m not claiming that guarantees have depleted the Treasury, but the public didn’t solicit them either. Now, the government has raised bus ticket prices in the name of Dussehra. Even the RTC is now competing with private buses in fare hikes."

"Sitting in air-conditioned offices in Bengaluru and squandering time is not a solution. Stop the complacency and immediately assist the flood-affected individuals," expressed the Union Minister, showcasing his deep dissatisfaction with the state administration.

Kumaraswamy remarked that the state government is in a "Kumbhakarna-like slumber" while the residents of Kalyana Karnataka are grappling with severe flooding.

He questioned, "Only now have the Chief Minister and his 36 Cabinet Ministers awakened. What were all these Ministers doing until now?"

He noted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah only conducted an aerial survey of the flood-impacted districts after media and opposition criticism.

"Floods are a recurring issue every year. For the last three months, this government has been in deep slumber," he remarked.

Kumaraswamy expressed frustration with the Chief Minister's responses to the Opposition’s demands for relief.

"How will criticizing the Opposition resolve the issues faced by flood victims? His statements are unworthy of his office. Where have the 36 Ministers gone?" he questioned.

Addressing the Congress government’s inactivity, Kumaraswamy urged that two to three Ministers be dispatched to each district, special teams be formed, and that Ministers remain in the affected areas for at least three days to genuinely comprehend and address the suffering of the people.

"If I were not facing health issues, I would have stayed in the flood-affected regions for at least a week," he stated.

"I was prepared to visit two days ago, but officials advised against it due to adverse weather conditions. After the floods, only a handful of Ministers visited the affected areas, and that too, merely for appearances. Is this how matters should be managed?" he questioned.

Kumaraswamy accused the state government of failing to support farmers in Karnataka.

"They are not receiving timely loans. When I was Chief Minister, I ensured 35 percent of loans were disbursed. What is this government doing? They made grand promises—now tell us how much have you actually delivered? The loan disbursement has plummeted to just 17 percent. Is this their concern for farmers?" he inquired.

"Karnataka has received substantial rainfall this year, with reservoirs exceeding capacity. While this initially delighted farmers, excessive rains in various districts have now resulted in flooding. Even during the Gowri-Ganesha festival, floods struck Kalyana Karnataka and the Belagavi regions.

Currently, six districts in Kalyana Karnataka are severely flood-stricken.

"I’ve communicated with the District Collectors of these areas. In each district, over 1 lakh hectares of crops have sustained damage. Homes are inundated, individuals are displaced, and even livestock is suffering. Around 12 goshalas (cow shelters) are entirely submerged, and animals have perished," Kumaraswamy stated.

"Every day, 4.5 lakh cusecs of water is flowing in from Maharashtra. Coupled with heavy rains in the Bhima and Krishna river basins in Kalyana Karnataka, the flood levels are rising. The simultaneous influx of such vast amounts of water has caused widespread devastation," he continued.

The Union Minister concluded by stating that there has been significant destruction in flood-affected districts.

"Entire villages are submerged. Residents have been enduring hardship for days. This issue has persisted for the past decade.

However, this time, even after facing unprecedented floods, not a single Minister has reached out to the victims. In Chikkamagaluru as well, there has been heavy rainfall, extensive crop damage, and destruction of homes. Yet, the state government has not intervened to assist the populace," Kumaraswamy remarked.