Karnataka govt in deep slumber: BS Yeddyurappa

Belagavi: Alleging that the Congress-JDS coalition government in Karnataka was in a deep slumber like the epic character ‘Kumbhakarna,’ state BJP president BS Yeddyurappa said on Tuesday it had no moral right to remain in power.

The Congress was now regretting its decision to support the JD(S) to form the government, Yeddyurappa claimed in the assembly, as he asked the ruling coalition to work towards addressing issues of the people or “resign and go”.

Seeking to corner the government on a host of issues, he said the coalition worries in the ruling alliance were “hampering” the administration and developmental works.

Initiating the debate on the drought situation in the state, Yeddyurappa said, the government has announced a hundred taluks as drought-hit and the situation was such that 20 more taluks are likely to be added to the list.

Demanding answers from the government on drought mitigation measures, he said, according to information gathered by him, except for one or two places, ministers had not visited affected areas and funds were not being utilised efficiently for relief works.

Pointing out at the delay in setting up of fodder banks, he said, “no minister or chief minister had taken the situation seriously.

Noting that the state had overall deficit rainfall of about 49 per cent, Yeddyurappa sought to know the steps taken to address the situation with summer approaching fast.

“The government is in a deep slumber like Kumbhakarna. It has closed it eyes. It is not coming to the rescue of farmers and people at the time when they need it the most,” he added.

Coming down heavily on the JD(S), Yeddyurappa while pointing at the promises made by the party ahead of assembly polls, including waiving of farm loan within 24 hours after coming to power, said its manifesto was a “bundle of lies”.

“I want to tell this chief minister that he had made a false promise to the 6.5 crore people of the state through his manifesto of lies….,” he said.

Stating that he would have wanted the government to complete its five-year term if it had fulfilled the promises made and worked for the betterment of the people, the BJP leader said, “after having seen its administration and its functioning, I feel this government has no moral right to stay in power.”

Yeddyurappa, the leader of opposition also questioned Congress’ silence on the functioning of the government, headed by its coalition partner the JD(S).

“Have you (Congress) read JD(S)’ manifesto…. chief minister still speaks only about big things, but nothing was happening on the ground,” he said.

He alleged that during the previous Siddaramaiah government rule, 4,712 farmers had committed suicide and 489 under the current dispensation.

There was growing disgruntlement within the Congress and “it may explode any time”, he claimed.

“People are waiting when this government will go… you (ruling coalition) work for the people and address their issues or resign and go,” he added.