Will get PM's nod in 5 minutes if Congress convinces alliance partner in Tamil Nadu: Kumaraswamy on Mekadatu balancing dam project

Mysuru: Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy has said that although the Mekadatu balancing dam project is a proposal of the Congress in Karnataka, he will still strive for its implementation in the interest of the people and farmers if the ruling party manages to convince its alliance partner in Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to media persons in Mysuru on Saturday, Kumaraswamy said, “If the Congress has the will and strength, let it convince its alliance partner in Tamil Nadu. I will get Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approval in just five minutes”.

“The Congress leaders have neither the power to convince the Tamil Nadu government, nor the power to defy them. Thus, the Mekedatu project is not possible for the Congress. What’s the use of opening a Mekedatu project office, without Tamil Nadu government's consent?” he asked.

Kumaraswamy said, “Mekadatu project was the Congress’ poll plank. But, they have just been wasting time for two and a half years. How can I take the responsibility, just because they are trying to dump it on me?”

Replying to a question, he said, “The Congress is afraid of me. That is why Congress leaders repeatedly chant my name - especially after the BJP and JD(S) formed an alliance”.

Regarding the Congress leaders' claim that the next government too will be theirs, Kumaraswamy said, “Not just the next, let it be there for another 20 years. First, do the work you promised. We know what happened to all those who said 'our government will be in power for 20 years. The people will decide whose government it will be. Within the Congress, there are fights over the CM's post. How will the people accept the Congress, which is mired in quarrels? People are intelligent and are observing everything”.

In reply to a question on Minister Priyank Kharge's statement on banning RSS, Kumaraswamy said, “Forget about banning RSS. First, tell us what you've done for Kalyana Karnataka over the last 40 years. Now, the Congress is being 'banned' everywhere. First, save Congress. Kharge is making these statements just to hide the fundamental issues”.