H D Kumaraswamy expresses regret over Nirmala Sitharaman spat

Bengaluru: Two days after a spat between Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Kodagu district in-charge minister Sa. Ra. Mahesh blew up into a huge controversy leading to strains between the BJP led central government and the ruling JD(S)-Congress coalition in Karnataka, Chief Minister, H. D. Kumaraswamy sought to pour oil on troubled waters expressing deep regret over the incident on social media site Facebook. 

On Friday, the chief minister had written to the Centre seeking Rs 2,000 crore financial assistance for relief and rehabilitation in rain and landslide-devastated Kodagu-where the spat happened between Ms Sitharaman and Mr Mahesh over 'protocol.' 

In his post, Mr Kumaraswamy, who seemed keen on avoiding a confrontation with the Modi led government at this juncture when the state is desperate for aid, said, “I am deeply pained at the turn of events with regard to the visit of Ms Sitharaman to flood-affected areas in Kodagu. Our government along with relief agencies of both the state and Central government, and volunteers are working round the clock on the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the flood-affected citizens with extensive support from the Union government.”

The Chief Minister added that the defence minister was kind enough to extend all possible support "to us when we sought help for rescue operations."  She visited the flood-affected areas in Kodagu to understand the situation and support the rehabilitation work to restore normalcy in the lives of people.  

"Though the government and the district administration followed protocol despite the tough situation in the region during her visit,  it was unfortunate that the  Defence Minister had to go through certain inconveniences, which we regret. I also spoke to her over the phone on the matter. I believe this is the time for all of us to forget small differences, forgive each other and join hands for the rehabilitation of the flood affected people in Kodagu. The grave situation in the district warrants it. Let us not colour such incidents and be distracted from our key focus," he appealed adding, "I look forward to the continued support of the central government and in particular of the Defence Minister."  

He also did not forget to laud his JD(S) colleague and Minister Sa. Ra Mahesh saying, “He has tirelessly worked to oversee the rescue and relief operations on the ground from day one."  Former CM Siddaramaiah however had a different view on the spat saying, “It was too much. It was not expected of a Union minister (Ms Sitharaman).”