Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday stressed the need for unity of regional parties to protect the country from “an undemocratic, anti-Constitutional leader at the Centre who does not respect or respond to people’s aspiration”.
At the rally, organised by the All India Trinamool Congress in Kolkata, Mr. Kumaraswamy said he strongly believes in the capacity of regional parties to connect with the people and protect their interests not only in their States but also in the country. He said all regional parties should join hands “for the future of the country, the people, and their hopes”.
Citing regional leaders from across India, he said that political history of post-Independent India was witness to the emergence of strong regional parties which played an important role in protecting the federal structure of the country.
In a scathing attack on the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Kumaraswamy said the country was at the crossroads. He cited demonetisation and GST as instances of the Centre “playing politics with the lives of people”. Mr. Kumaraswamy said the federal structure had been pushed into danger, and the Centre’s “apathy” towards his farm loan waiver scheme was a case in point. “The Union government favours big industrialists and businessmen in terms of incentives, tax rebates, subsidies, and many other facilities.”
Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha M. Mallikarjun Kharge was also present at the rally.