Slugfest intensifies between HDK and DKS, this time over Khata conversion

The ongoing war of words between Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar intensified on Saturday, with the former terming the Congress government’s B-Khata to A-Khata conversion scheme a ‘bogus exercise’ and calling it ‘daylight robbery’ in the guise of reform.

Mr. Kumaraswamy appealed to Bengalureans not to pay any money towards the Khata conversion announced by the government, and declared, “I make an open appeal to the people of Bengaluru: Do not pay a single rupee for this.”

Predicting that JD(S)–BJP alliance would form the government after next two years, he said that Khata conversions would then be provided ‘without any cost burden’. He said, “In two years, we will get it done for you at minimal cost.”

He termed the government calling the scheme a ‘Deepavali gift’ a cruel joke.

“The Khata issue has existed since 1995 and fresh charges are unjustified when money was already collected earlier. People are already burdened by price rise and loan repayments. Why push them into another debt trap?” he asked.

Mr. Kumaraswamy also launched a scathing counterattack on Mr. Shivakumar, who had recently challenged him to an open debate. Listing out his own ‘achievements’ as a Chief Minister, Mr. Kumaraswamy claimed that while he had planned several reforms, they (Congress), along with others, had ‘pulled down’ his government.

The present dispensation, he said, was not capable of even filling a pothole, he said, adding that Mr. Shivakumar ‘is not even fit for a debate’.

Claiming to have done much for Karnataka going beyond his ministerial responsibilities, he said, “I have already sanctioned 4,500 electric buses for Bengaluru and proposed several projects for the State.”

‘Do not hit and run’

Within hours of the press meet, Mr. Shivakumar challenged the Union Minister to an open debate ‘with documents in hand’, accusing the Union Minister of making baseless allegations. “What corruption is happening in B-Khata transfer? This is being done to benefit people. Currently, people do not get loans for B-Khata properties. Rectifying property documents is the 6th guarantee of our government.”

“Let him come for an open debate with proof instead of making hit-and-run claims. If he has evidence, let him present it before the people of the State,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.

“Let him expose whatever he wants - I will expose him too, and let people decide,” he asserted, adding that he was not the one to be scared by threats.

Responding to Mr. Kumaraswamy’s remark that the JD(S)–BJP alliance would form the next government in two years, Mr. Shivakumar said, “Under his leadership, the JD(S) has already fallen to 18 seats, and it will collapse to eight or nine seats in the next election.”