Karnataka Minister Urges Police to Maintain Public Trust Amid Rising Concerns
Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy warns Karnataka police against losing public trust, citing rising crime and government shortcomings.
Bengaluru, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : H.D. Kumaraswamy, the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, addressed concerns about public trust in law enforcement during a press conference in Bengaluru on November 3. He cautioned the Karnataka police to ensure they do not lose the confidence of the people, emphasizing that citizens are closely observing the actions of the Congress-led state government.
Kumaraswamy stated, “The police must ensure that the public’s trust in them remains intact. The ongoing issues during the Congress government’s tenure are under scrutiny.” He criticized the state’s handling of law and order, particularly in relation to murder investigations, alleged irregularities in the excise department, and disputes concerning the Waqf Board’s properties.
He highlighted that recent controversies surrounding the Waqf Board and claims of ₹40,000 crore in recoveries from the excise department have raised serious questions about the government’s effectiveness. Kumaraswamy also condemned the failures of the Home and Intelligence departments, accusing them of misdirecting investigations into murder cases. He declared that the government has completely failed to maintain law and order.
Regarding the upcoming bye-elections in the Hiriyur assembly constituency, Kumaraswamy mentioned that extensive discussions with key leaders from the Kadugolla community and national BJP leaders are underway to field a consensus candidate.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister from 2006-07, he recalled approving a significant project worth ₹4,500 crore to rejuvenate lakes in Chitradurga, Tumakuru, and Kolar districts. He accused the current government of neglecting this ambitious initiative.
Kumaraswamy asserted that the state’s financial condition has deteriorated significantly, with the government owing contractors nearly ₹38,000 crore for completed work. He criticized the government for launching new projects without financial backing, merely for publicity.
He remarked, “No work gets completed, but the government holds foundation-laying ceremonies to gain free publicity. Starting projects without funding and misleading the public through such announcements has become a habit of the Congress party.”
Additionally, he addressed ongoing protests by sugarcane farmers demanding fair prices for their produce. Kumaraswamy accused the state government of ignoring their concerns and stressed that it is the government’s responsibility to provide a minimum support price of at least ₹750 per ton for sugarcane.
Present at the press conference were JDS legislative leader C.B. Suresh Babu, former MLA Ningappa, Dr. K. Annadani, Doddangouda Patil, former Legislative Council member K.A. Thippe Swamy, H.M. Ramesh Gowda, senior leader Shantakumar from Tiptur, and leader Jagadish from the Kunigal constituency.
