Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy Alleges BJP Trying to Topple His Govt

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday alleged the BJP was continuing its efforts to 'destabilise' the Congress-JD(S) coalition government led by him but asserted it was stable and would complete its term.

He also said the challenge before him was to take the administration close to the people in a way that they should repent about their decision not to support Congress-JD(S) alliance in the Lok Sabha elections.

The ruling alliance partners had fared miserably winning only one seat each and conceding 25 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state to the BJP. An independent candidate had won in Mandya.

Repeating his charge that BJP was still attempting to pull down the coalition, Kumarasamy said with its "pro-development and people-centric approach", his government would complete its term and work to make the state number one position in the country.

"There is no instability to this government, it is stable. But some section of leaders wanted to create instability and they have failed in it," he said.

He was talking to reporters after releasing the book "Mitri Parva", regarding the achievements of his government during the last one year.

"The government has completed 13 months. The main opposition party BJP's leaders have been unable to digest it...efforts are being made even today to push this message (in the media) that 8-9 legislators will resign, I'm aware what is happening everyday," he added.

Kumaraswamy had claimed a few days ago one of the JD(S) MLAs had received call from a BJP leader on Monday, saying the government's fall was imminent and if he agreed (to switch sides), he would dispatch Rs 10 crore at his location.

Hitting back at Kumaraswamy, BJP state unit chief BS Yeddyurappa has asked him to name the persons involved.

"Opposition leader himself has asked for the information, but leave others aside, people have heard his own tape," he said.

Kumaraswamy was referring to the audio clip in which Yeddyurappa was heard purportedly trying to lure JDS MLA Naganagouda through his son. The chief minister had released the tape during the budget session in February.

Deputy chief minister and Congress leader G Parameshwara, who was also present, said the opposition had been making attempts to topple this government from day one.

"Government is stable and strong. There will not be any trouble to this government for any reason," he added.

Talking about the coalition's rout in the Lok Sabha polls, Kumaraswamy said his government would perform in a way that people would have to repent for their decision to no support the Congress and JD(S).

"Yes people of the state did not support Congress and JD(S). We could not meet our own expectations. People should themselves repent and feel their decision on this government was wrong. This government will take this as a challenge and go much closer to people," he said.

In the next four years, they would take effective steps to make the state the number one in the country, he said.

Listing out the major achievements of his government in the last one year, including the loan waiver scheme for farmers, Kumaraswamy said, development of the state had been its primary focus and allocations been made to this effect.

Regarding the"Grama Vastvya" (overnight stay in villages) programme to make the administration more effective, he said, it is not for "show off" or a 'gimmick'.

"I will spend entire day to resolve local issues and also spend night there Changes will be seen in the days to come," he said, adding Ministers and MLAs will also begin their own village stay programmes separately.

He also maintained his government has followed fiscal discipline and there was no shortage of funds.