Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy accused the Congress government in the State of indulging in “political drama” over Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s shortened address to the joint session of the State legislature.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the newly constructed Maramma Devi Temple in Shivalli village of Melukote Assembly constituency in Mandya district on January 23, Mr. Kumaraswamy said the “unnecessary confrontation” between the ruling party and Opposition in the Legislature will not help solve the problems people of the State are facing.
He sought to remind Chief Minister Siddaramaiah about a similar incident in 1997 when Khurshed Alam Khan was the Governor, J.H. Patel was the Chief Minister, and Mr. Siddaramaiah was the Deputy Chief Minister.
The Congress government will not solve anything by shouting “Go back, Go back” against the Governor, he said.
Contending that several irregularities have taken place during the tenure of the present government, Mr. Kumaraswamy said the Governor, despite having an opportunity to act against the illegal decisions, had not clashed with the State government like Governors of other states.
Accusing the government of repeatedly blaming the Centre over devolution of funds, the Union Minister said it has not been transparent about Central grants and the State has suffered owing to the withdrawal of some national highway projects because of the State government’s mistakes.
Mr. Kumaraswamy also accused the Congress government of trying to hide its failures over the last three years by spreading misinformation about the VB-G RAM G Act brought in by the Union government.
Questioning the need to convene a special session of the State legislature to discuss the issue, the Union Minister said the Congress government’s aim is only to abuse the Union government over replacing MGNREGA with the new Act.
Alliance
Mr. Kumaraswamy reiterated that the JD(S) and BJP will fight the coming local body polls in an alliance.
He said the people of the State are in favour of the two parties coming together to remove the “corrupt” State government.
To a question on the differences of opinion among the leaders of the two alliance partners in certain areas, Mr. Kumaraswamy said competition at the local level is natural and exists in all parties.
“Party workers discuss positions and status,” he noted, adding that the final decision will be taken by the leadership.
Published – January 23, 2026 06:58 pm IST
