Kumaraswamy’s opposition to guarantees hatred for poor, says CM Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday slammed JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy for his criticism of the five guarantees, calling it “hatred of the poor”.

The statement came a day after Deputy CM DK Shivakumar told Kumaraswamy that the guarantees had been implemented in the JD(S) leader’s own constituency Channapatna.

“You're attacking me on a daily basis with false accusations. If criticising me gives you peace of mind, please continue. I can understand your disappointment and frustration after the election defeat but why do you hate poor people? Why are you opposing schemes designed for the welfare of the poor? Is this hate because they rejected your party in the election?” Siddaramaiah asked Kumaraswamy.

The CM alleged that JD(S) ally BJP was being hypocritical in criticizing the guarantees since they had also included “freebies” in their manifestos for elections in five pollbound states.

“Guarantee schemes were part of the Congress party's election manifesto. People gave us the mandate based on the promises. These schemes were opposed by both BJP and JD(S). It is a tragedy that you still do not understand that your opposition to guarantee schemes is also the reason for your defeat. Similarly, if you continue to oppose the guarantee schemes, the wise voters of the state will teach both BJP and JD(S) parties a lesson in the next Lok Sabha elections as well,” Siddaramaiah said.