Bengaluru: Hitting back at those predicting the fall of the coalition government anytime, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy (HDK) yesterday asserted, “nobody can touch me for at least one year.”
Driving home the message that the government would last at least till the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and if possible even beyond, the CM said, “Some people are questioning as to how long the government will last. I want to tell them that nobody can touch me for one year. Nobody can destabilise this government till next Lok Sabha elections,” he said.
Kumaraswamy was speaking to reporters after addressing the 15th Karnataka State Convention of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in Bengaluru yesterday. His statement triggered curiosity among public in the light of brewing discontentment among senior leaders of both the Congress and the JD(S) over Cabinet expansion and distribution of portfolios.
He admitted that running a coalition government is a challenge. Hinting at hurdles within the coalition for fulfilling his promise on farm loan waiver he said, “Some people are throwing hurdles for implementation of farm loan waiver as they fear JD(S) will get credit for it.”
HDK’s assertion has lent credence to the view that this government may not last beyond 2019. According to political observers, by referring to “one year” the CM seems to be indirectly hinting at Congress’ compulsion to support JD(S) till 2019.
Delivering on the most ambitious election promise of farm loan waiver is not proving to be an easy task for the coalition government. But to douse apprehensions about the government’s commitment, the CM tweeted, “Dear farmers, Let there be no confusion on farm loan waiver. I am fully committed to the loan waiver. I want to ensure it is done scientifically benefiting maximum farmers. I am working on the modalities and will announce it shortly.”
Later, speaking to reporters, the CM indicated that the waiver of farm loans is likely to be announced during the Budget Session of the State Legislature to be held from the first week of July. He said there would be only one power centre in the State and he would take a decision on the loan waiver issue.
”Congress feels financial condition is not good. But I will take care. I have to take a decision without any scope for misunderstanding. Budget Session will be in July first week and I will solve everything there,’, Kumaraswamy, who is also holding Finance portfolio, added.
This post was published on June 16, 2018 6:45 pm