Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, who has completed 75 days in office, has not had an easy ride so far, with many of his statements sparking controversies from the word go. The latest in the series was his comments on north Karnataka — where he allegedly questioned the moral right of the farmers there to ask for loan waiver when they had not voted for him. This led to the clamour for statehood for northern districts from some quarters and a call for bandh, though it eventually fizzled out.
In a conversation with The Hindu, Mr. Kumaraswamy spoke about what he called “deliberate misreadings” of his statements, the government’s roadmap for the State’s overall development, relationship with his coalition partner, the Congress, his party’s plans for the just-announced elections to the urban local bodies (ULBs), and the Lok Sabha elections in the not-so-distant future. Excerpts from an interview.
What according to you are the reasons behind every second comment of yours turning controversial?
It has been difficult for some people, especially the BJP, to digest the fact that a government has been formed in this way by the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress. It came as a surprise to even me! This was the sense in which I described myself as saandharbhika shishu (a child of circumstances) in my first press conference. That was read amiss. Such things are being done consistently. A section of people is engrossed in misguiding and pitching one region against another and one caste against another. They want to sustain it until the Lok Sabha elections and whip up emotions.
Is there no truth in the complaint that you favour only some districts in south Karnataka?
The total allocation made to Ramanagaram, Mandya, and Hassan is to the tune of ₹516 crore out of a total outlay of ₹2,18,000 crore. It is a false propaganda. It was during my time [as the Chief Minister in 2006] that the first session of the State legislature was held in Belagavi. I don’t have to be taught lessons on protecting the interests of north Karnataka. If there is developmental imbalance, what did the BJP do about it during its regime?
Don’t you regret your statement on north Karnataka in retrospect?
No, I have no regrets. My comments did not stem from malice. I was only hurt that there were doubts and adverse remarks about even my plan of ₹49,000 crore farm loan waiver.
But so far there has been no order on waiver.
Wait for a week. There is no need for worry or confusion. As far as cooperative loan waiver is concerned, debt relief certificates will be issued by Wednesday. Our officers are in talks with nationalised banks to work out the finer details. Those who are criticising should understand that a lot of work goes into waiving loans to the tune of ₹49,000 crore, while also keeping other commitments.
Very soon, elections to the ULBs will be upon you. Have you decided against pre-poll alliance with the Congress?
According to reports, the Congress wants to go to ULB polls independently. But there have been no discussions so far. It is natural for local leaders of every party to want to grow at their level. If the Congress seeks seats where the JD(S) has roots, there is every possibility of local Congress leaders resorting to defection. Similar is the case in the JD(S). This might end up benefiting the BJP. Besides running a coalition government, it is also important to insulate both the parties from any such damage.
Leaders of both the parties are working out modalities. Our intention is to follow the coalition dharma and keep the BJP out of power. It is also important to retain the strengths of both the political parties.
Are your decades-old differences with the former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah coming in the way of your functioning?
We don’t have any differences as being projected by the media. Mr. Siddaramaiah is protecting the interests of the Congress as a party leader just as I’m doing of my party. There is complete understanding in the coordination committee. There is no reason for others to worry about that.
There is a perception that you will stop some of the schemes started by Mr. Siddaramaiah.
That is another misreading. I’m as committed to social welfare schemes and will even go a step further.
How about thorny issues such as the NICE project that you opposed as the Opposition?
I will not let any harm come to any asset of the State. Just that my priorities are different at the moment.
After 75 days, are you still an unsettled Chief Minister?
Not at all. I’m not wasting even a single minute. I have set my priorities for the next one year. But I don’t want to disclose them without a proper plan.