Modi is right, Siddaramaiah is leading 10 per cent govt': HD Kumaraswamy

Bengaluru: Strongly backing PM Narendra Modi’s charge that the ruling Congress was heading a “10 per cent government,” state JD(S) chief H.D. Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said he had actually miscalculated the percentage, which was higher.

But adroitly attacking the BJP as well, Mr Kumaraswamy, who was reviewing the arrangements for the February 17 JD(S) rally at Yelahanka, claimed the "commission" for projects was 10 per cent during the last BJP government in the state, but was higher now.

“What is worse the present government is rolling out red carpets only for the contractors from other states. Every kilometer of road construction is costing over Rs 38 crore and no one knows if gold or silver is being used to build them. The water resources department is meanwhile awarding piece contracts to accommodate contractors from neighbouring states. Ministers like Dr H C Mahadevappa and M B Patil and the Chief Minister need to explain this,” he demanded.

While the government claimed no corruption was involved in the steel bridge project that was dropped under public pressure , the JD(S) leader claimed the same contractor was given the job of forming the Kempegowda layout in the city. ''I have documents to prove my allegations and can make them public. But at this moment, I am not interested in doing that. My only aim is tobring my party to power in the coming elections ,'' he asserted.

Mr Kumaraswamy who revealed that his party’s first list of candidates for the assembly poll would be announced at the JD(S) rally, defended its alliance with the BSP, saying it was not averse to tying up with small parties like the Left and farmer organisations. Also, he was sure the BSP would perform well these elections with his party's support.