Siddaramaiah’s chief ministership was given on ‘contract’, says HD Kumaraswamy

Bengaluru

Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy on  Sunday took a sharp swipe at Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging that his tenure was “given on contract” and that he is now negotiating with the Congress high command for an extension to complete a full term.Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy said Siddaramaiah’s celebrations over becoming Karnataka’s longest-serving Chief Minister were misplaced. “Siddaramaiah claims to have broken the record of D. Devaraj Urs. But his chief ministership was given on a contract basis. Now he is bargaining with the Congress high command to complete his full term,” Kumaraswamy remarked sarcastically.

Drawing a comparison with former Chief Minister Devaraj Urs, Kumaraswamy said Urs had governed with authority and independence. “Devaraj Urs had the courage to challenge even former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on matters of administration. But today’s Chief Minister has to seek approval from the high command just to continue in office,” he alleged.The former Chief Minister further claimed that Siddaramaiah’s dependence on the party leadership exposed the real nature of the Congress government in the state. “This is not about governance or people’s mandate. It is about power-sharing arrangements and political compulsions,” he added.

Responding to questions about reports of Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) being shut down, Kumaraswamy dismissed the claims, saying the company has not been closed. “HMT has not been shut down. Watch manufacturing is still continuing, though on a limited scale,” he clarified.

He pointed out that the decision to disinvest in HMT was announced much earlier. “The move to withdraw investment was declared before 2016. This is not a sudden decision,” Kumaraswamy said.Highlighting revival plans, the Union Minister said efforts were underway to rejuvenate the iconic PSU. “I am in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about reviving HMT by adopting new technologies and modern manufacturing practices,” he said, expressing confidence that the company could be given a fresh lease of life.