Intro: Kumaraswamy recalled banning lotteries during his tenure, noting he ousted individuals from Tamil Nadu carrying cash bags.
MYSURU
Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government, accusing it of using government schemes to make money and warning that the ruling party would face a major setback in the next election.
Speaking to reporters at Chamundi Hills, Kumaraswamy said nobody in Karnataka had the ability to buy him or silence his voice. Recalling his decision to ban lotteries during his tenure, he said he had sent away people who allegedly came from Tamil Nadu carrying bags when he took action against the lottery business.
Kumaraswamy strongly opposed the proposed Bidadi township project, alleging that the government was attempting to use the project for financial gains.
He rejected allegations that he had any personal opposition to the township project or had received kickbacks. Kumaraswamy challenged the government to investigate him if there were allegations of corruption. He also said neither he nor former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda could be purchased or pressured.
The Union Minister accused the state government of ignoring the Opposition and acting with arrogance because it had limited time left in office. He questioned the removal of street vendors without providing them alternative arrangements and alleged that the government was targeting farmers and others.
On the NICE Road toll collection issue, Kumaraswamy alleged that toll was being collected illegally. He said even lawyers representing the state government had raised questions over the legality of the collection. Kumaraswamy urged farmers not to pay the toll and criticised Minister Priyank Kharge for allegedly making statements without understanding who was actually collecting the toll.
He warned that Opposition legislators were prepared to challenge what he called a corrupt government and said the Congress would face public anger in the next election.
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The legislative committee’s report had described the Bidadi land as fertile and claimed that he had already raised objections to stopping the project in the Assembly.
- H D Kumaraswamy, Union Minister