Karnataka   

Opponents flayed for promising ‘freebies’

DAVANGERE: The former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has strongly criticised the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party for promising free television sets for families living below the poverty line and free power supply for irrigation pumpsets respectively in their manifestos. He said both of them, which claimed to be national parties, had adopted populist measures initiated by other parties.

He said the Janata Dal (Secular) did not believe in promises that gave only a temporary benefit. “I have toured the State extensively during my tenure as Chief Minister and have understood the problems of the people of each district. Based on that the JD(S) will make assurances in its manifesto that are intended to solve their problems permanently,” he said.

Speaking to presspersons at Jagalur on Saturday, Mr. Kumaraswamy said that giving television sets and rice at subsidised rates would not offer a permanent solution to the people’s problems. He asked the people to be wary of the BJP and the Congress, which, he alleged, were tried to “buy” them outright.

The JD(S) would address the problems of farmers’, particularly landless ones, agricultural workers, weavers, women, and the youth in its manifesto, which was being prepared based on certain studies and experiences of its leaders.

He gave a call to JD(S) workers who had left the party to return and strengthen it. He claimed that many party workers who had joined the BJP with hopes of political success had realised their mistake.

Such workers would be welcomed back.

Mr. Kumaraswamy criticised the BJP and Congress for terming his party’s functioning dynastic, and asked them to get their own house in order first.

The Congress had falsely promised that it would build over 15 lakh houses if it came to power, he said and questioned the need for a five-year-term for such a project. He said the JD(S) would build 15 lakh houses for the poor in just two years if it was voted to power.

Mr. Kumaraswamy exuded confidence that his party would come to power with a simple majority.

Party leaders H.S. Shivashankar and H.S. Nagaraj were present.

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