Bengaluru, October 12 (Daily Kiran) : H.D. Kumaraswamy, India’s Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, spoke out on October 12 in Bengaluru, emphasizing that the Chief Justice of India should not be dragged into political disputes. He called on Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to demonstrate political maturity.
Kumaraswamy criticized the Congress party for requesting a meeting with the Chief Justice regarding electoral issues, questioning whether they truly understand the importance of respecting constitutional institutions and their officials.
He also addressed Congress’s objections to the Special Intensive Revision of the voter list. Kumaraswamy pointed out that while the Karnataka government is verifying beneficiaries of its guarantee schemes, it is contradictory for Congress to oppose the verification of voters.
Referring to the Special Intensive Revision, he noted that this is not a new process; it has been conducted for several years. Congress leaders have alleged that names are being removed from voter lists and that specific communities are being disproportionately affected.
Acknowledging the significance of voting rights, Kumaraswamy stressed that political leaders should focus on public welfare and the implementation of government schemes rather than turning these issues into political controversies.
He urged Congress leaders, who often speak about the Constitution, to also respect the protocols associated with constitutional institutions. Kumaraswamy raised concerns about the India alliance led by Congress, questioning their understanding of which topics are appropriate for discussion with constitutional authorities.
Regarding the Karnataka government’s guarantee schemes, he explained that the verification of beneficiaries is necessary due to concerns that eligible individuals are not receiving benefits while ineligible ones are.
Kumaraswamy demanded clarification from the state government about the decrease in the number of beneficiaries for programs like the Griha Lakshmi scheme, widow pensions, disability pensions, and old-age pensions. He called for transparency regarding the criteria used to remove beneficiaries from the lists.
He cited reports indicating that 79 deceased beneficiaries had received ₹79 crore in their bank accounts, which is now being reclaimed. Kumaraswamy insisted that verification is essential to ensure that government funds do not go to ineligible individuals or the deceased.
He questioned why Congress is politicizing voter verification when beneficiary verification is deemed essential. Additionally, he criticized Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for focusing on photo opportunities at Mysore Palace instead of addressing pressing issues related to the sting operation controversy.
In a sarcastic tone, Kumaraswamy commented on Shivakumar’s photos taken in front of the royal throne, suggesting it was presented as a new tradition. He referenced a Sanskrit proverb, implying that excessive humility could indicate an undesirable trait.
Kumaraswamy reiterated that involving the Chief Justice in political matters is inappropriate. He urged Rahul Gandhi to approach politics with greater maturity, questioning how it is reasonable to expect the Chief Justice to meet with political leaders simply because they elevate their demands to the Supreme Court.
He concluded by stating that Rahul Gandhi lacks sufficient respect for constitutional institutions and their officials.
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