HDK takes on seer for political remark

Making a sharp reference to religious leaders, Kumaraswamy, in his very first press conference after taking over as chief minister, launched a tirade against one particular mutt head in the state.

The reason for Kumaraswamy’s anger was a statement(s) made by a mutt head (whose name he refrained from mentioning) against the JD(S)-Congress coalition.

Dropping broad hints that the seer belonged to a Mutt in “Davangere” or “Shivamogga,” Kumaraswamy said that religious seers should stick to their “job” (preaching) and not indulge in politics.

“A religious seer has said that this government will not last long. It’s not the job of religious heads to take such stands. I respect religious seers. But they should stick to doing their jobs. Else, join politics. The seer should stop making political statements - I am deeply pained by his remarks. It’s the job of politicians (making political statements). The swamiji should take note of this,” he thundered.

Later, while taking questions, Kumaraswamy said that he didn’t want to comment on the Lingayat issue, as he had already made his stand clear. “There are bigger problems. Our (government) focus should be on such issues,” he said.

He was, however, quick to add that his government would address all issues raised by the religious organisations, be it the Veerashaiva Mahasabha or the Lingayat community. He also said that issues related to internal reservation (as recommended by the Sadashiva Commission) would be resolved.

This is how he responded to some of the queries raised by media persons:

On Mahadayi/Cauvery

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his election rallies has said that he will solve this issue within three months. But Modi will lie as per his convenience. Despite this, the entire coastal Karnataka and north Karnataka voted for him. Technically, we have to await the Tribunal verdict. We will chalk out the required measures after that.

Support by regional party leaders

The national leaders were not here to support my government. They were here to give a message ahead of the 2019 Parliamentary elections. This government will be protected by the JD(S) and Congress parties. I don’t want anybody to worry about the stability of this government. There’s a lot of difference between the call given for the rise of a third front in 2009, and the one given in 2018.

Will ACB be scrapped?

No government institution, be it Lokayukta or the Anti Corruption Bureau should be misused. A good Lokayukta was appointed during my regime, but we all know what happened later.

Will he stay on as CM for all five years?

These modalities have to be worked out together.

Will JD(S)-Congress enter into an alliance in Jayanagar/RR Nagar polls?

If we have to end BJP’s arrogance, we have to work together.