Political instability hasn't hampered state's growth, says HD Kumaraswamy

Bengaluru: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Monday tried to allay any fears there may be of Karnataka's development being hampered  by the recent political instability in the state and assured that it would not stop him from  bringing in reforms in almost all sectors, including agriculture, to transform it into a model state.

"We want to emulate the Israeli model to conserve water and make  farming sustainable," he explained. As for government schools, he said they would be provided infrastructure and permitted to introduce both Kannada and English mediums , leaving the option to the students to choose whichever suited them.

The Chief Minister, who was interacting with intellectuals and representatives of various sectors at the Vidhana Soudha banquet hall,pulled up district in- charge ministers, regretting that they were functioning more like ministers of the taluks they came from. "The moment a MLA gets elected, he begins preparing for the next election. Nowadays, they spend a lot of money to come into politics," he observed.

Referring to state BJP chief,  B.S. Yeddyurappa's allegation that Veerashaiva Lingayat officers were being sidelined in the government, Mr Kumaraswamy promised to rectify this if particular cases were brought to his notice.

When noted writer, Dr K. Marulasiddappa rued that frequent transfers of officials would hinder development, he claimed he never transferred officials, although it is common knowledge that some  IAS and IPS officers have been transferred multiple times over the last few months in the state.

On the plea by public transport corporations for a fare revision, the Chief Minister maintained his hands were tied due to the coming Lok Sabha elections.