Q&A: BJP recognised my hard work, made me DyCM, says Dr CN Ashwathnarayana
The BJP central leadership has sent a clear message to senior leaders in Karnataka by elevating young Dr C.N. Ashwathnarayana, a third time MLA of
Malleswaram constituency as Deputy Chief Minister, a doctor by profession, Ashwathnarayana represents the dominant Vokkaliga community and the message from the central leadership is loud and clear- it has decided to groom a second line leadership.
In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Dr Ashwathnarayana said the party has given him a golden opportunity to prove himself. He worked behind the scenes to dethrone the H.D. Kumaraswamy coalition government and in fact he incurred the wrath of community leaders for his act. He defended himself saying even the community did not want Mr Kumaraswamy to continue as the chief minister. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Bengaluru is facing many problems. Poor infrastructure and bad traffic management have brought a bad name to the city Do you have any specific plan to uplift Bengaluru’s image?
We have many challenges, I have many ideas to restore Bengaluru its past glory. Despite developmental works, the existing infrastructure is not enough to meet the requirement of the city. Due to poor planning, we are facing many problems in the city, I will definitely find solutions for the infrastructure problems.
Do you advocate a separate development authority for Bengaluru?
Indeed, Bengaluru Metropolitan Development Authority needs to be constituted to look into the affairs of the city and its overall development. We have a separate Act to deal with issues pertaining to BBMP. We have to fix the specific agenda, accountability and responsibility of all stake holders. BESCOM claims the city has surplus power, then why is it resorting to load shedding? Where is the problem, is it in the distribution or transmission system, we want clarity on this issue. We need uninterrupted power supply to the city. Likewise we have to improve the transport system by using latest technology. We are talking much about mobility, but there is no specific plan to improve mobility. I have a short and long term plan to improve the transport system in the city. With regard to the garbage problem, the previous government extracted benefits from the garbage lobby but it failed to provide a permanent solution to the garbage menace.
How does one improve the traffic system in the city?
Bengaluru needs a better traffic management system, including change of office hours to reduce the peak-hour traffic. Before bringing any changes, I intend to consult all stake holders. We will not impose anything without consultation.
Will your government order a probe into alleged irregularities in infrastructure projects in the last six years especially white topping of roads in the city?
The previous two governments said it has built 13,000 km of roads in the city. We don't know if they built roads or the fund was diverted to filling potholes. There is no accountability and transparency in the system. Due to lack of transparency we received many complaints. I do not believe in ordering an inquiry into the previous government’s deeds, there is no point in a post-mortem. I believe prevention is better than cure. The public must know the expenditure on road construction, tender specifications, road history etc. By using latest technology and GPS, we can bring transparency in the system.
There is a lot of buzz about the Indira Canteen scheme launched by the previous Siddaramaiah government. Will your government scrap the project or will it come out in a different avatar?
We will not scrap the project, the CM has clarified on this issue. But we have ordered for an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the scheme. At present there is no proposal before the government for changing the name. But I can't say anything about a change of name in future.
The BJP central leadership seems to have decided to take control of city affairs instead of leaving it individual-centric. How do you propose to bring about changes in the city BJP affairs?
We all emerged from the party-fold. The question of individuals controlling the party never arises. Individuals take responsibility to work on behalf of the party. The BJP is a cadre-based party, it will not work on the whims and fancies of an individual. Collectively we are working for the party. Any small anomaly in the party will be set right.
Your elevation as DyCM has not gone down well especially among Vokkaliga leaders in BJP. How do you defend your elevation?
It was not an issue of senior or junior in the party. The main intention was to provide opportunity to new faces and youngsters to bring freshness in the government. The party has given an opportunity to all sections, young, middle aged and seniors. So I got an opportunity to join the government .
But a few senior leaders have vent their ire on the party leadership, stated that their seniority is being overlooked. Is it not true?
Because of my ability and leadership qualities, the party has given me a opportunity to serve the people. I was in the social and political spectrum right from my student days. Even in the party, I have worked in various posts. I have worked for the party without expecting any benefits or posts. Now the party has recognized my service.
There is a lot of discontent in the party after the cabinet expansion and allocation of portfolios, how will you contain dissident activities in the party?
Party will not tolerate any indifference or dissident activities. For doing good work, all will get an opportunity in the party in the coming days. Opportunities will keep coming.
You played a key role in dethroning the Kumaraswamy government. How do you overcome the pressure from the Vokkaliga community and the pontiffs while engaging in Operation Lotus?
Frankly speaking, the Kumaraswamy government fell due to its own misdeeds. Many JD(S) MLAs did not want his government to continue. The rebel MLAs decided to pull the rug and their wish was fulfilled. Moreover, the Vokkaliga community did not want the Kumaraswamy government to continue, because he had restricted government activity to the betterment of his family rather the people. I have not incurred the wrath of community leaders.
What is the fate of the disqualified rebel MLAs? If they join the BJP, the chances of resistance from party workers is very high.
The disqualified MLAs have been denied the principles of natural justice. The Speaker took a unilateral decision which went against democratic principles. Since matter is pending before the court, the question of them joining the BJP now does not arise. The party will take an appropriate decision in this regard.
You have been appointed as DyCM and the BJP has given the responsibility to you to strengthen the party base in the Vokkaliga heartland in old Mysuru region. How will you capitalise on the opportunity given by the party?
The party has given me an opportunity to discharge my duties. With utmost care and responsibility, I will work to strengthen the party organisation where it has a weak base.
Will you bring changes in higher education system?
Certainly, I will bring changes in the system. If the system is not good, we have to bring necessary changes. My priority is to bring transparency in the system, it will reduce corruption and nepotism.
