Bengaluru: In a statement which could certainly embarass the Siddaramaiah government, Assembly Speaker, Kagodu Thimmappa on Tuesday came down heavily on the state government and said that there was no difference between the Congress government and the previous BJP government.
“Things are moving at a snail’s place. Fifteen months have passed since the government took charge but nothing has changed,” he said adding that the government should be proactive in redressing people’s problems.
After making serious observations, Mr Thimmappa might have realised the damage he had done and attempted to deffuse the situation saying bureaucrats were responsible for not bringing in transparency in governance. He however defended the government decision to scrap the KPSC list. He said the overhauling of the KPSC was long overdue and it should happen at the earliest.
Mr Thimmappa disclosed that he had written a letter to the chief minister six month back highlighting the important programmes to be implemented by various departments. He said he had received a reply but no action had been taken. The government machinery must respond to people's problems and that has to happen from the village to the state-level. Any delay in taking decisions will lead to corruption, he said.
Mr Thimmappa however said he would not describe Mr Siddaramaiah as a chief minister who had failed to perform. “He should be more proactive and work towards fulfilling the promises made to the people. He should take officials to task for not providing effective government here.”
Asked whether he would become a minister in the state cabinet, Mr Thimmappa said, “I am will not go to New Delhi with folded hands to ask for a minister’s post. However, I am ready to discharge the duties given to me".
