MYSURU: Accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of involvement in scams, state Janata Dal (Secular) president H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday wondered whether he should describe the leader as “Commission’s son.”
Addressing a party convention at K R Pet, he joined issued with Mr Siddaramaiah on the latter’s comment on Janata Dal (Secular) patriarch H D Deve Gowda’s description as ‘Son of the soil.’ “Mr Deve Gowda has not labeled himself “Son of the soil”, but people address him in such a manner. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already said that you (Mr Siddaramaiah) head a 10 to 30 per cent government. So, should we describe you as Commission’s son,” he added.
The former chief minister lambasted Mr Siddaramaiah for lack of sympathy and support to families of farmers who committed suicide across the state.
“More than 150 farmers committed suicide in Mandya district alone, but did he visit a single family? The Chief Minister is asking you to take to cultivation of horsegram instead of sugarcane and paddy. I am with you. I shall waive off all loans of farmers, including those released by public sector banks, within 24 hours of taking over as Chief Minister. I will also ensure that you are never debt ridden again. We will come up with such programmes to ensure improvement in financial conditions of all farmers. We will see that all youth get jobs in their villages and they earn Rs 5,000 per month. We will ensure that senior citizens are not considered a burden by giving them Rs 5000 pension per month. A Chief Minister is only your servant (Gulaama). With the bad omen (kaalguna) of Siddaramaiah you all had to endure drought for three years,” he added.
Looking back at governance during his tenure as Chief Minister, Mr Kumaraswamy said he held ‘Janata Darshan’ to address problems faced by people and spent several hours meeting widows, physically challenged and the poor.
“You (Mr Siddaramaiah) think that you have turned this state into a hunger-free place, but a woman deserted by her husband came to me along with her child, seeking my help during a convention recently. Why would such people come to me? They trust me because I have a heart to respond to problems of the common man. An IRS officer Lakshmi has resigned and come to support me Mandya district. Ignoring my health, I have been touring the state. Yes I was with my son for a year to create an opportunity in film land to ensure that he does not stray into politics, as we are already tired of our party being called father and son’s party. All I earned is the love of people. Consider me as your brother, and give us an opportunity once, to resolve the problems of the state,” he added.
In Mysuru, he told the media: “We have not selected candidates without any personal affinity but with an intention to come to power. We will recognise the contributions of all those who worked for our party once we are voted to power,” he added.
