Will not stay away from Karnataka politics: Union Minister Kumaraswamy
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Bengaluru: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday asserted that he would not distance himself from Karnataka politics, stating that his future role in the state would be determined by the will of the people.
“I am in politics, and it is the people of the state who will decide where I should be. Based on their wishes, I will decide when to return to state politics,” Kumaraswamy said.
Responding to media queries near his Bengaluru residence, he clarified that the BJP–JD(S) alliance remains part of the NDA and stressed the need for clarity and unity within the alliance. “There should be no confusion. Our objective is to bring a good government to the state. This is my personal intention,” he said.
Rejecting speculation that he was moving away from state politics, Kumaraswamy said he would continue to remain active. “If anyone thinks I am distancing myself from state politics, that is wrong. I will not move away. The Prime Minister has entrusted me with responsibilities at the Centre and given me the opportunity to work sincerely in two ministries. I will decide when to return to state politics — there is no escaping it,” he said.
He added that he was closely observing the functioning of the state administration. “A good government should come and people should live peacefully. Whatever position the people of the state decide for me, I will accept. This is not in my hands,” he said.
Commenting on the alleged threat and abuse by Congress leader Rajeev Gowda against Shidlaghatta Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda, Kumaraswamy said incidents of harassment of government officials had increased since the Congress-led government assumed office in the state.
“This is not right. I have already informed the state Chief Secretary about the Shidlaghatta incident, but no action has been taken so far,” he said, expressing concern over the alleged threat issued by a Congress leader against a state government official.
“It is truly unfortunate. Leaders and workers of any party should not behave inappropriately with officials. If strict action is taken in one or two cases, it will serve as a warning,” he said, advising the Karnataka government to act firmly.
Kumaraswamy further alleged that there was a growing trend of pressuring officials to carry out illegal activities. “From ordinary party workers to those in power, officials are being pressured. Such incidents occur when the government is not functioning properly. If the system is strong, this will not happen,” he said, voicing strong displeasure with the state administration.
He also cautioned officials to discharge their duties responsibly. “If officials indulge in illegal acts for promotions or postings, they will face consequences. Recently, an editorial titled ‘Poor quality work; six responsible’ exposed irregularities by engineers during the construction of Vidhana Soudha. After eight years, the Lokayukta has ordered action. Officials should not work under pressure from elected representatives. They must work with a clear conscience and ensure rules are not violated,” he said.
The Union Minister also extended Makar Sankranti greetings to the people of Karnataka. Calling it a festival of farmers, he prayed for favourable weather conditions and prosperity. “Sankranti celebrates the sons and daughters of the soil and symbolises harvest and prosperity. May happiness, peace and harmony prevail in every home, and may everyone be blessed with long life and good health,” he said.
With IANS inputs