Q&A: The CM is the first among equals, says Karnataka Health Minister

Unlike other politicians, talking to Ramesh Kumar, the new health and family welfare minister, is an experience of a different kind. He makes it a point to ensure his replies are correct and captivating.

An interview with this former Assembly Speaker turned out to be an interesting verbal duel with Mr Kumar not sparing journalists either. He is determined to rewrite his style of functioning as a minister and spoke on issues ranging from departmental matters to the Ganapati-K.J. George episode, displaying a deep sense of respect for a different point of view. Here are excerpts from the interview

After you took over the health and family welfare department, what are the major initiatives you have taken?
I have decided to restrict myself to policy matters. I told my principal secretary that I would not interfere in departmental transfers, procurement and other such work.

Considering the political culture you have inherited, will it work?
I do not know. That’s what I have decided. Whether I will stick to my decision or not, only time will tell. I am trying to do this because, we are following the Westminister model of governance. I can't answer or judge what my predecessor has done. My business is to ensure vacancies are filled up, drugs are in abundant stock. On other issues, what is the forum for me to speak? The Cabinet. There, I can argue, or differ on even issues outside my jurisdiction. But, I can't tell you what I speak.

There will be pressure on you and if you resist it, you will become unpopular.
I will not change my attitude. My philosophy is: If I do a mistake, I should feel bad. If I am involved in an illegitimate, unethical or illegal act, I should feel bad. I want to restrict myself to the issues concerning the public because I want to focus on improving working conditions of hospitals. But one has to be pragmatic. What is ethical and unethical, one has to decide. For instance, a poor patient is treated by a doctor and out of love and gratitude, the patient gives a small gift to the doctor, in my view it is not unethical. But, if a doctor insists on extracting money before starting the treatment or asks for a hefty amount after the treatment, then it is unethical. If we understand the situation, then there will be no dilemma.

People have seen you in different roles, as legislator and Speaker. You did not spare anyone. You spoke your heart. But, many feel that the lion in the forest has been caged now and is being tamed by a ringmaster.
People fail to understand how the system works. We have different zones. When I was a legislator and when I felt something was going against public interest- whoever might have raised it- I would get up and offer my views and even admonish the one who was wrong.
When your domain changes and you become a minister, you are entering a different zone. Here, the Chief Minister is the first among equals. We are all equals there (stressed the point). There is nothing like a ringmaster and we being tamed. In the Cabinet, we continuously play the role we played here (legislature). Whatever we speak here gets published, but Cabinet deliberations will not come to light. On the floor of the House, where we need to speak, I am not forbidden to speak even now. The least one can expect me is to be a sycophant.

Moving on, how do you see the Ganapati-K.J. George episode?
I did not watch the interview (of Ganapati). I read the content of what he said in the video. They are being investigated. Today another constable did the same in Kalaburgi. At this rate, where are we going? I don't want to comment about the merit of what Ganapati said. I am not competent to say he is wrong or right.

If you were in the Opposition, what would you been done? You too would have demanded Mr George's resignation.
I have worked in the Opposition. (laughs) It is alright, you can ask for somebody's resignation but you should get convinced about the case. Though a reference is made in his (Ganapati) statement about Mr George, it is under investigation. If I were in the opposition I would have at best said-Mr George, would it not be honourable for you to examine whether you should continue in office or not? Please think, should’nt we set a good tradition for the next generation?
Without any evidence, you want to make him (George) a villain, harass him. How unfair it is. I would not have held a dharna on this issue.
When George was home minister, Mr Jagadish Shettar was speaking on a rape case which happened in Sakaleshpur. He said despite the victim's complaint and seizure of clothes, the officer was not suspended. I immediately got up and asked why action was not taken against the sub-inspector? In fact, I said in the next two hours, if you do not come back with a convincing reply, I will not remain as a member of this House.
The Opposition’s job is not to launch a vilification campaign and indulge in character assassination. They have a right to protest in their own way. Even if the Congress was in opposition and had resorted to such a dharna, I would not have supported it.

In New Delhi. the Congress party does that, agitates and stops parliament from functioning..
There are no different standards for BJP or Congress. Whoever does it, it is not right.

Irrespective of the party in power, people think a leader who is wielding power, may influence the investigation and tamper with evidence when his name is mentioned. In view of this, isn't it fair to expect a leader under a cloud to step aside?
How will you know when such incidents happen? (pauses). Do you (media) want to conduct the trial yourself? Do not apply the yardstick only to politicians. For heaven's sake, you are an important organ of democracy, you have to apply (the ethical yardstick) to yourself. You show no remorse when you go wrong. You just hit and run away. Here in George's case too, it is not Ganapati who died. It is you (media) who have victimised George. Do you realise that?

But, in public life, ethical people are tested again and again. This is not the first time..
Some people are sensitive. Lal Bahadur Shastri resigned over a train accident.

When specific issues are raised, you give a general reply and when asked about general trends, you give a different reply...
That’s how you see it. I can't be answering to suit your needs.