Money spent on guarantee schemes, should have been invested in improving schools, hospitals, says HDK

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy has said that the guarantee schemes introduced by the Congress government in Karnataka increased the state’s loan, affecting the development works.

Speaking in a programme at Kodakahalli in Arakalgud taluk, on Thursday, the former CM commented that the guarantee schemes were announced by the Congress party ahead of the elections to lure voters. However, the people in the party did not assess the long-time impact of the schemes.

The State Government had not recruited employees in the last three years. The youths had been protesting against the government. “Now, leaders of the Congress party are making comments criticising the guarantee schemes. The amount spent on the guarantee schemes could have been invested in improving the schools or hospitals. There are no medicines in the hospitals. The patients are getting outdated medicines,” he said.

Chief Minister, DCM and many in the state cabinet had been engaged in the tussle over the change in leadership. They were not concerned about people’s problems or the youths’ protest seeking jobs. “The Congress came to power campaigning that the BJP was corrupt. Could they prove any of their allegations after coming to power? Now, the association of contractors has made serious allegations against the present government. The contractors have stated that they are ready to expose those who demand commission,” he stated.

Interacting with the media, Mr. Kumaraswamy said he was not concerned about becoming the CM again, but his priority was to remove the present government. “I want this bad government to be removed; I am not concerned about becoming the CM. We have to do our duty effectively. The issue of becoming the CM will be decided at that time,” he stated.

Asked about the alliance with the BJP for the local body elections, Mr. Kumaraswamy, who is also state president of the JD(S), stated that both the parties were willing to face the elections together. So far there had been no talks; however, the parties would decide on the alliance.

JD(S) MLA A. Manju, MLC Dr. Suraj Revanna and others were present.