Instead of ‘Anna Ramaiah,’ Siddaramaiah can be called ‘Kanna Ramaiah’; He is obstructing Central projects in the State”: HDK
Davanagere:* Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, has alleged that the Karnataka state government is creating hurdles for industrial development and the revival of factories in the state.
Speaking to media representatives while campaigning for the BJP candidate in the Davanagere South constituency, he stated that while the Central Government is ready to develop the state, the Siddaramaiah-led government is not providing any cooperation.
Allegations Regarding KIOCL and HMT
Kumaraswamy charged that although the Central Government provided ₹1,700 crore in capital to the *Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL), the state government is planning to sink the company without any valid reason. He further noted that the state government is also obstructing the revival of *HMT, citing forest laws as an excuse.
“We restarted a steel plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, which had a debt of ₹35,000 crore. Furthermore, a new factory is being established there with an investment of ₹1.25 lakh crore. Stop making allegations against the Center and behave in a friendly manner. Learn a lesson by looking at the Andhra Pradesh government,” he told the Karnataka Congress government.
Questions on State Leadership and AHINDA
The Union Minister highlighted the efforts of former PM *H.D. Deve Gowda, noting that he attended Parliament sessions in a wheelchair to resolve hurdles regarding the *Bhadra Upper Canal and Ettinahole projects. He questioned how many times Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, has raised his voice regarding the state’s issues.
He further criticized the Chief Minister’s politics, stating:
- Siddaramaiah remembers the Backward Classes and Minorities (AHINDA) only when his position as CM is threatened.
- When his seat is secure, he completely forgets about them.
“Anna Ramaiah” and the Ration Row
In a sharp jab at the “Anna Bhagya” scheme, Kumaraswamy said:
“We (the Center) provided the ration. Instead of calling Siddaramaiah ‘Anna Ramaiah’ (Ramaiah who provides grain), he can be called ‘Kanna Ramaiah’ (Ramaiah who steals/loots). While ₹28,000 crore was needed to build 15 lakh houses, they have only allocated ₹2,000 crore.”
On Gas Supply and International Relations
Addressing the Congress party’s allegations regarding gas cylinder supply, he explained:
- Despite global supply chain difficulties, the Prime Minister is ensuring imports through friendly relations with other countries.
- Gas is being imported by taking countries into confidence through the Strait of Hormuz.
- He accused the CM, DCM, and Randeep Surjewala of taking credit for rations provided by the Central Government.
Counter-Attack on Dynastic Politics
Responding to criticisms of “family politics” regarding the Deve Gowda family, Kumaraswamy asked:
“You talk about our family, but what do you say about bringing your own son into politics? Did you bring your son in just to handle transfers and other tasks?”
He concluded by stating that the battle for the CM’s chair is ongoing within the Congress and challenged them to try building and winning with a regional party based on worker strength as they have done.
