Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy has clarified just how indebted he is the Congress party for their support in making him the Chief Minister of Karnataka. Today, he issued a statement saying that he is at the mercy of Congress. He also said that as the CM, he is responsible for the state’s development but ‘that is a different matter’. To do anything, he has to take Congress leaders’ permission without which he can’t do anything since they have offered support to him.
I am at mercy of Congress. I am responsible for development of state,that is different. I have to do my job as CM, I have to take permission from Congress leaders, without their permission I can’t do anything, they have given me support: Karnataka CM on his earlier statement pic.twitter.com/gFWjDF3Sm0
— ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2018
This statement comes after it was reported yesterday how Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy has stated that he is at the mercy of Congress and not to the people of Karnataka. This generated a lot of reactions in the social media. While many condemned the statement and criticised his disregard for voters, there were also some opinions that his statement has been taken out of context.
As per reports, Kumaraswamy was speaking to reporters after paying tributes to Nehru on his death anniversary. He was answering questions of some reporters on the farm loan waiver issue. It is notable here that the BJP has given a call for statewide bandh if Kumaraswamy does not announce farm loan waivers in a day.
While most of the articles did contain the exact context and translation of the statement of Kumaraswamy, the headlines made people believe that Kumaraswamy was disrespecting the people of Karnataka and showing subservience to Congress. It was reflected in some social media reactions to the CM’s statement.
What a shame ! CM Kumarswamy says that he is at the ” mercy ” of the Congress . Then why he should join hands with them ? He wants power without responsibility. Further blame the people for not giving majority. Who will vote for you when the goal is only power?
— P.Shivaram Bhat (@PShivaramBhat1) May 28, 2018
The @CMofKarnataka says he is indebted to the #Congress and not to the people of #Karnataka. This is a shocking statement by someone who says he has come to power to save democracy.https://t.co/6cRGeqDcLs
— P C Mohan (@PCMohanMP) May 28, 2018
Looking at the entire text and context of his statements yesterday, it looked probable that his statement has been blown out of proportions. He was speaking about not being in the absolute majority and being the Chief Minister due to Congress support. As per the report in Deccan Herald, he also stated that he appeals to the farmers in the state to give him one week time. He reportedly added that in case he fails to waive off farmer loans he will resign as CM voluntarily. By stating ‘being indebted to Congress’ he was only referring to being in a coalition government and his inability to take decisions without consulting the Congress.
This is an exact translation of what Kumaraswamy had said yesterday.
#WATCH: K’taka CM HD Kumaraswamy says, “I asked people for clear mandate to do their bidding. But now, I am here indebted to Congress. Some ppl say that I had said that I wouldn’t take anyone’s support to form govt. Who are they to tell me? There are some compulsions in politics” pic.twitter.com/m8cGVbvNYy
— ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2018
Though till now it seemed like the newspapers headlines misled people into reacting wrongly to Kumaraswamy’s statement, his most recent statement today proves that the social media reactions were not too far off the mark anyway. It only shows the predicament of a coalition government where decisions are taken not for the benefit of people but to appease the coalition partners. It is only ironic that the coalition government was being projected as ‘victory of democracy’ by loyalists. Many have also wondered, why Kumaraswamy would bother allying with the Congress if he thought they might not let him discharge his duties to the state properly.
