Seeking a full five-year term independently to the Janata Dal (Secular), former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said that he would dissolve the party if it failed to implement all the irrigation projects of the State in five years of being in power.
“Give us a full five-year term once without having to depend on other parties. I will complete all pending irrigation projects. It is our commitment from our party,” the former Chief Minster announced during an interaction with farmers here.
He also announced that the party’s Jaladhare programme to raise awareness about water will be launched during Hanuma Jayanthi on April 16.
The JD(S), he said, will fight on development issues, and not sensitive issues.
He said: “A religious leader has challenged me if the party would make a Dalit or a Muslim the Chief Minister. If such a situation arises, we will make a Dalit the Chief Minister.” He said: “It is not that our family members have to be in power. H.D. Deve Gowda stepped down from the Prime Minister’s post despite BJP offering its support. Having come from such a background, should we keep the CM’s post?,” he said.
He also said that though he had come close to quitting politics just before becoming the Chief Minister for the second time, he continues to be in politics to address people’s problem. Mr. Kumaraswamy also announced that the JD(S) will give ticket to farmers’ leaders who wish to contest in 10 constituencies in the coming Assembly elections. “Many of you have strength to contest. I will be with you,” he said.
Later, the former Chief Minister told presspersons that call by some Hindu organisations to mango growers to boycott Muslims traders will boomerang. “This is a new controversy being created by the Hindu organisations. It is being done to garner votes,” he said.
