Bengaluru: Former Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy has lashed out at the Karnataka Congress Government, which is making excuses about rice guarantee everyday, and expressed outrage that it is fooling the people by blaming the Central Government for its self-inflicted mistake.
Speaking to the media persons in Bengaluru on June 21, he said that when Congress party announced the guarantee schemes following instructions of its election strategists, but did not make necessary preparations for the implementation of the plan. Did they apply to the Central Government for rice before promising 10 kg rice? How right it is to make a false promise and maligning Union Government?
Why should Central Government give you rice? When did you apply to the Central Government? Your freebies promise is just an idea given by election strategist hired by you, only aimed to win election. You promised free for even minister’s wife, but now giving different reasons since unable to implement promises.
Gruha Jyothi Scheme has become dark. Those who said that they will provide free electricity should look at the current situation. The Vice Chancellor of VTU shocked after seeing electricity bill. The VTU would not able to pay hefty electricity bill.
Kumaraswamy said that Government is giving shock to people through hiking prices of all necessary commodities instead of fulfilling poll promises. He said that the behaviour of the two national parties today is very sad and the people of the state have trusted them and voted for them. People need to see the drama of two parties. People have to see how Congress cheated people. Congress party President, and Government Minister are slandering the Central Government. Wasn’t all this known when announcing freebies, he said.
The Chief Minister is saying that he wrote a letter to the Food Corporation of India. How can he be in a position of responsibility and give such a blunt answer? He wanted rice from the centre which meant he had to talk to the concerned Minister of the Central Government. The Minister of Food and Civil Supplies of the State should have gone and held a discussion. He said Union Government have their own commitment if we need rice so how do they provide it? When I waived off the loans in nationalised banks, did I go to the Prime Minister and ask? He said that Government have to make own arrangements for freebies.
I had announced Pancharatna plans. How should they be enforced? I had prepared an outline of how to set up the money. But people didn’t believe me. But people believed in five guarantees given by congress. He said, “Let’s see how they will give 2,000 to the owners.”
In response to a question about Minister Satish Jarakiholi’s statement that the Gruha Lakshmi Guarantee was not being implemented as a result of the Central Government’s server being hacked, HDK said, Who is Satish Jarakiholi? He is speaking loose. Why do they hack, it is your responsibility to strengthen your server, he said.
I will give them time. Let’s see what will be announced in the budget session. They have given so many promises in the Manifesto as well. “Let’s see where everything ends up,” he said.
Kumaraswamy also objected to the non distribution of eggs and bananas to school children. He criticised that Government even saving money on children’s food.
Kumaraswamy said, “The issue of power sharing belongs to them. I don’t know if Siddaramaiah will stay for 5 years or if others will come.”