H.D. Kumaraswamy says he will take on Congress government after December 20

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy said he would hold a detailed interaction with the media after December 20 to highlight what he termed the failures of the Congress government in Karnataka. “I have many issues to speak about and will share them after December 20,” Mr. Kumaraswamy told reporters during a brief interaction in Mysuru on December 16.

The former Chief Minister, who was in the city for his 67th birthday celebrations, visited the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills, accompanied by JD(S) leaders and supporters, including former Minister S.R. Mahesh and G.D. Harish Gowda, MLA. Mr. Kumaraswamy received a grand welcome from his supporters when he arrived in Mysuru. They cut a cake to mark his birthday. Pratap Simha, former MP, was also present on the occasion.

Later, speaking to the media at the Government Guest House, Mr. Kumaraswamy lashed out at the Siddaramaiah-led government, accusing it of being insensitive to farmers’ issues. He claimed that around 2,800 farmers had allegedly died by suicide since the Congress government assumed office in the State and alleged that it had failed to fulfil its promises to the farming community.

Accusing the government of corruption, the Union Minister said he would bring out facts at an appropriate time. “I have many issues to raise, which I will do soon,” he said.

Mr. Kumaraswamy also alleged that the Congress government was attempting to silence opposition leaders by bringing in a Bill on hate speech. “Nothing can silence me or the opposition,” he asserted.