Cong counsel HD Kumaraswamy to be courageous to run a coalition govt

Bengaluru: A day after a teary-eyed Chief Minister, H.D. Kumaraswamy claimed that he was 'swallowing the pain' of a coalition government like Lord Shiva had swallowed poison, creating ripples in political circles, Congress leaders played down his remarks with senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday advising Mr Kumaraswamy to have the courage to face the circumstances emerging due to the formation of the JD(S)-Congress coalition government.

Speaking to a news agency, Mr Kharge said, "Running a coalition government is always a problem and all one can do is face it. Simply expressing emotions will not send out a good message to people who support secular parties. Mr Kumaraswamy should be courageous enough to face such circumstances. He has to fulfil the desire of the people."

While speaking to reporters here, Deputy Chief Minister, Dr G. Parameshwar cryptically remarked, "How can he say that? He must be definitely happy, the chief minister has to always happy, if he's happy we all will be happy."

Meanwhile, KPCC vice president, Prof. K.E. Radhakrishna said that Mr Kumaraswamy needs to lead the coalition in such a manner that it hurts no one. "The Congress has supported him and our party leaders have several times made it clear that they all are committed to the coalition dharma. The Congress will surely honour this commitment at any cost. Mr Kumaraswamy should not worry about it and focus on giving good programmes for the voters, which will benefit both parties eventually."

It may be recalled that while addressing an event on Saturday, a teary-eyed Mr Kumaraswamy claimed that he was swallowing the pain of a coalition government in the state. "People are standing with bouquets to wish me, as one of their brothers has become chief minister and they are all happy, but I'm not. I know the pain of a coalition government. I became Vishkanth (Lord Shiva) and swallowed the pain of this government," he had said.