Not trying to emotionally blackmail voters: H D Kumaraswamy

Mysuru: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy denied on Saturday that he was trying to emotionally blackmail people into voting for the  JD (S) and Congress candidates in the coming Lok Sabha and assembly bypolls in the state by referring to his health. 

Asked about his comment on Friday that he did not know how long he had to live and his vow to serve the people for as long as he did , he said, “I meant that as long as I live I will work to resolve the problems of the people. I mentioned it in that context. I am an emotional being, everyone knows that. Even if people have an element of distrust in me, I take it very seriously. If they don’t trust me, why should I continue? I don’t think that this power given to me by God is eternal. I want to do good for the people using it.”

Mr Kumaraswamy, who was speaking to reporters at the Karnataka Police Academy, pointed out that he had never hidden his health problems from the public. “When I went to hospital, I spoke about it openly, “ he recalled. As for being emotional, he said, “When someone comes to me with a  problem , I am moved by it. Some call it drama and say I cry crocodile tears. But for a human being, tears come naturally from the heart.” 

Asked if he had been advised rest by his doctors, he said,  “Yes, but if I rest, I am afraid I may betray my responsibility to the people. Their health and well being is more important than my own.”

Asserting that he intended to campaign for the bypolls despite his health issues, the Chief Minister revealed he would tour Shivamogga for three days from Sunday before visiting Ballari on October 31.

Rubbishing BJP leader, C P Yogeshwar’s charge that his party was using bribe money collected from transfers for the Ramnagar byelections, he demanded, “Who is Yogeshwar? Those who cheated people in the name of a Megacity, are now talking about me? I don’t do politics in the name of religion. When people seek help,  I respond.”