At his first customary Press conference, well attended by a galaxy of Opposition leaders, after taking over the mantle on Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy justified his aligning with the Congress and said his Government will be stable and last long for its full term. He said, “I have decided to join the Congress alliance for the sake of the nation to keep the BJP away. This is also an effort for the Opposition unity to fight the BJP in 2019 polls”.
On the galaxy of leaders descending on his coronation, he said they have come to send a message of unity. He said, “The leaders who came here today didn’t just come up to support my Government, they wanted to send a message to the people that they are coming together for 2019 elections. He said, “Never before in a State Government formation had so many leaders come. This is the first time that it has happened in the country. This is also a challenge for me, every step I take will have to be weighed. The expectation across the country that this will be a model for the country is a challenge. I have to also look at the promises I have made in my manifesto”.
“I am a child of circumstances. There is a strange situation in Karnataka; ordinary people are divided about this coalition, especially on social media. The suspicions expressed by a section of media will be addressed by this Government”, he added and assured the people his Government would last for the full five term.
“As no party has got mandate, over the past week I have seen all manner of opinions even those in letters to papers. For a long time reports had kept harping on a hung assembly and I feel that impacted the people. Already the BJP as largest party were invited and they also backed out of trust vote. The Congress decided to align with JD(S) and BSP with their 78 MlAs and 2 Independents, and for this I want to thank Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, and others they have given me a responsibility” he added.
Kumaraswamy explained the circumstances in which he agreed to form the government with the Congress and said he keeping his ego he will work for the welfare of the people and also to keep the alliance intact. He said he will prove his majority on the floor of the house on the 25.
“The BJP keep saying it’s unethical, but I don’t know, if we discuss it nobody will get a conclusive answer. The question on all minds is if this coalition will last, especially as I was the one who destabilised the 2004 alliance. In the 12 years since we have also fought each other and the question of whether this will last”, he added.
He said justifying his stand “It is true I had said in the run up to polls that I wouldn’t join a coalition and would call for another poll. This is why I say that I’m a child of circumstances and I have had to keep my ego aside. To save the nation, I was advised that it is essential that I join hands with the Congress”.
On the crucial issue of farm loan wavier he said he would work with everyone in consultation. He said “I want to tell Yeddyurappa that nobody has to hit the streets under this Govt because we will allow everybody to approach us. I have a blueprint for farm loan waiver. I will take everybody into confidence and even Congress must get credit for it. Today’s oath taking is a programme of the people, not my personal event. This govt will try to be of the people, by the people and for the people”, he added.
Kumaraswamy was very guarded and cautious in answering volley of questions keeping his commitment to the coalition partner the Congress. The press conference was jointly addressed by Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. He described the attendance of galaxy of Opposition leaders to his swearing in ceremony he said it was a responsibility bestowed on him.
“I have my own dreams and the programmes I have will have to match with the manifesto promises of the Congress as well, and I will also have to take forward the schemes they have put forward in the previous 5 years. In the Budget I will put forward all these will be included. I did not say I will not waive loans. I said if my party comes to power on its own I would waive all loans. But now I’m in a coalition Govt and I have to take them into confidence”, he added.
Kumaraswamy said he would tie the Ashwameda horses of the Modi Shah. He said “I had said after UP results that I’d tie down their Ashwamedha’s horse. Now they’d probably have to keep a lifeless horse”.
He touched upon the contentious issue of Mahadayi( drinking water sharing with Goa to the parched five districts of north Karnataka) and said Prime Minister Modi has been lying in this to mislead the people and said has to wait for the order of the tribunal.
Meanwhile former chief minister and BJP strongman BS Yeddyurappa has predicted that this coalition will fall within three months.