Joined hands with Cong to remove black mark on my dad: HDK

Bengaluru, May 26: Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Friday defended his decision to accept the offer of the Congress to head a coalition government stating it was to remove a “black mark” on his father H D Deve Gowda for which he felt he was responsible.

Participating in a discussion during a motion for vote of confidence that he had sought in the Assembly, Kumaraswamy said he joining hands with the BJP in 2006 to form a coalition government had left a black mark on the secular credentials of Gowda.

“I feel guilty of being responsible for this only blot on his (Gowda) political career of 60 years. I hurt my father’s sentiments by associating with the BJP. It even had an impact on his health. I felt it is my duty to remove that blot,” he said.

Kumaraswamy said he had then joined hands with the BJP to “save” his party.

The JD(S) leader said he will continue the popular schemes of the previous Congress government. “I will protect the interest of everyone and provide honest and good administration. Let us end politics here and look at the interest of the people and development of state,” he said.

Kumaraswamy asserted that the coalition government will complete its five-year tenure. “You (BJP) may be feeling that this government will go in two or three months. But, we will stay with stability for five years,” he said.

Kumaraswamy said he was not assuming the chief minister's post “happily”, as he has not got the complete trust of the people. However, people had not given a clear mandate in favour of any party, he added.

Rebutting Yeddyurappa's speech, Kumaraswamy said it was unbecoming of his age, seniority and experience. He said Yeddyurappa has spoken like a drama artiste rehearsing for a play in an open theatre.

He reinterated his charge that Yeddyurappa, during the Dharam Singh government had come to him stating that he will quit BJP and had sought a minister's post.

False documents

Kumaraswamy accused the Narendra Modi government of creating false documents about him floating a company in Malaysia.

“Documents are being created about this company and huge properties there. An Enforcement Department official asked me about it”, he said and added he will not be cowed down by such bullying tactics.

“Do they think they (NDA government) will stay in power for ever? They have started this game of troubling and scaring opponents..Let there be any inquiry, I am ready face it,” he said.