Nothing wrong in H.D. Kumaraswamy coming to State politics: Karnataka BJP chief

There is nothing wrong in Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) State unit president H.D. Kumaraswamy saying that he will come back to State politics, B.Y. Vijayendra, BJP (Karnataka unit) president, said in Belagavi on January 16.

“As a former Chief Minister, he has uniquely contributed to the development of Karnataka,” he said, responding to queries from reporters in Belagavi airport at Sambra.

On Sankranthi day on January 15, Mr. Kumaraswamy had said, “If anyone thinks that I am moving away from State politics, it is wrong. I will remain active in State politics. At the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given me two major portfolios. I will decide when to return to State politics. There is no escaping from it. People of Karnataka will decide where I should be. I will decide when to return to state politics based on their wishes.”

On padayatra

He dismissed reports of confusion over a padayatra by BJP leaders against the January 1 clash between BJP and Congress workers in Ballari in which one person lost his life.

“I have noted the statements made by B. Sriramulu regarding this issue. Personally, I am not opposed to any padayatra by any BJP leaders in the State. There was some confusion when we held a padayatra to Mysuru, some time ago. We do not want any confusion this time. Whatever is being done should be brought to the attention of the central leadership. I am also discussing this issue with State-level leaders. The padayatra is delayed as the process of appointing the BJP national president is underway,” he said.

This clarification was in response to statements by MLA and mining baron G. Janardhan Reddy in Ballari on January 15 that the padayatra and a rally in Ballari were being awaiting permission from the State BJP leadership.

“We are planning a rally on January 17 and a padayatra after the rally. Just two days are left. We are waiting for permission from Mr Vijayendra. We have spoken to Mr Vijayendra as per party protocol. We will not start the padayatra till the State unit president allows it. He has promised to look into the issue and clear the proposal. We have also spoken to senior leaders at the Centre. The central leadership has no objection. However, they have asked us to obtain the permission from Mr. Vijayendra,” said former minister B, Sriramulu about the proposed 20-day padayatra.

On January 16, Mr. Vijayendra said he would discuss the padayatra and other issues with the central leadership. “Our high command has told me to come to New Delhi on January 19 and 20. I will discuss all issues with senior leaders during my visit to Delhi,” he said.

On special session of Karnataka legislature

Mr. Vijayendra said Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is practising the ‘politics of hatred’ by ‘needlessly opposing’ VB-G RAM G Act.

“The Congress government in the State is trying to misuse the House to criticise the Centre over the rural job scheme. In a way, the sanctity of the House is being damaged. The special legislature session called by the government to discuss the rural job scheme will be used by him only to promote himself in the party, and to show how he is more powerful than other leaders, like Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The Chief Minister has been in power for three years, and he has spent all his time only in condemning the Union Government and blaming the Centre for his faults. He is also trying to save his chair,” Mr. Vijayendra argued.