HDK wants full term as CM to fix B'luru's civic woes

JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday urged people to give him a chance to serve them as the chief minister for a full five-year term, assuring that he will fix the problem of infrastructure inadequacy in Bengaluru without wasting a second.

“You (people) have tried both the national parties (Congress and BJP). Only I am left now. Give Kumaraswamy an opportunity and see my commitment. I need just one full term. I will not waste a second,” he promised while participating in a day-long interaction programme with his followers on various social media platforms at Jnana Jyothi auditorium.

The interaction, which the party claims is a voluntary initiative of Kumaraswamy’s followers on social media, is part of the JD(S)’ preparations for the assembly elections next year. Many of those who were present at the interaction were techies, and they posed a host of questions to their leader on problems plaguing Bengaluru and other parts of the state. Kumaraswamy is making a concerted effort to project the party as Bengaluru friendly.

Successive governments in the state have failed to improve the quality of life in Bengaluru despite the state capital making a major contribution for the growth of the state’s gross domestic product. There is no dearth of money. What is lacking is will power and commitment for making Bengaluru a better place to live, he said, replying to a question by Madhu, a techie from New Jersey in the US.

“Of late, speculation (in political circles) is rife that Kumaraswamy is going to head a coalition government in 2018. Please do not force me to such a situation. Give me a full majority. Don’t make me stand in front of somebody’s residence. Am I worse than them?” he asked, apparently referring to leaders of the BJP and the Congress. To another question by Raghavendra from Mysuru on the crumbling infrastructure, he said proper road network and supply of power and water are important for creating a conducive atmosphere for development. The government has failed to de-congest traffic flow on Chalukya Circle and Hebbal flyover stretch. The two national parties wasted time accusing each other on the controversial steel flyover project which was finally dropped, he added.

Comparing Bengaluru with the city of Los Angeles, he said both the cities witnessed rapid development since 1995. But now Bengaluru is no match compared to Los Angeles in terms of infrastructure development, he said.