CM to Cong: Fix state issues for sake of anti-BJP front

Amid rumblings between the coalition partners in the state government, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Monday issued a veiled threat to the Congress and asked it to resolve “state issues” saying it will be key for the success of an anti-BJP front at the national level.

“Yes, there are some local issues (pertaining to the coalition government) that have to be resolved. There is a possibility of bringing in a change in New Delhi after the next Lok Sabha polls. The Congress being a national party, should play a lead role in this regard,” he said in an interaction with the DH.

The chief minister has been upset with the non-cooperation of local Congress leaders, especially Siddaramaiah, in running the government. Siddaramaiah’s recent statement that he will be chief minister again, had irked Kumaraswamy, who later openly said that efforts were being made to destabilise his government.

Kumaraswamy, however, refused to divulge details of the state issues that need to be sorted out. He was also unwilling to take those creating hurdles head-on and hoped that the Congress high command will ensure smooth functioning of the coalition government.

He, in fact, sought to downplay Siddaramaiah’s statement and blamed the media for misinterpreting his statement. “It (Siddaramaiah’s statement) was projected as something big. It was misinterpreted...There is no threat to the government and it will complete five years. There is total clarity in this regard in the Congress high command,” he stated.

Asked whether factional feuds in the Congress were denting his government’s image, he said there are some minor issues and that the party will resolve them. “But there have been no major controversies in the past three months. Yes, some ministers are fast and some are slow. Hope things will settle down soon,” he added.

On the question of the two parties continuing their alliance for the coming Lok Sabha elections, the chief minister said it is yet to be discussed. “I am aware that some Congress leaders are opposing joining hands with the JD(S) in LS polls. So, we need to sit and sort out all issues,” he added.