Make me CM again, peace in coastal Karnataka will be my top priority: HDK

Mangaluru, Mar 6: Launching a tirade against the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, former Chief Minister and JD(S) State President H.D. Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said that both the national parties have been indulging in divisive politics, sidelining development of the State.

Interacting with a select group of achievers in different fields here, Mr. Kumaraswamy, said the government its officials should act as per the requirement of a majority of the populace irrespective of caste and religion, and should not function in a fashion to merely appease a small section of people.

Claiming that during his 20-month tenure as chief minister, there was not a single incident of communal strife in the State, he said that said the government should act sternly whenever there are attacks on religion and faith. “We should not tolerate communal forces,” he said.

"I was chief minister for 20 months and there was not a single communal flare-up during my tenure. If I am elected as CM again, peace and tolerance in the coastal districts will be my top priority. Even if it is an MP or MLA instigating violence, I will take action against him and put an end to the fear in the minds of the people. You have given all a chance, now please give me an opportunity to serve you," he appealed.

He called upon the citizens to be more proactive and not assume that their responsibility is over after exercising their franchise once in five years. “A conducive environment should be created where the government can truly act according to the wishes of the people," he said.

"People in the coast want to restore peace but violence is being instigated by a few individuals. It is the duty of the government to check activities of anti-social elements. When there was a law and order problem in a particular district, then the Chief Minister should have invited members of leaders of the community and discussed a solution to check the unrest. If he had discussed the matter with people then I am sure a solution would have emerged," he said.

"Failing to initiate action against Gaurakshaks and miscreants who instigate communal issues in the district shows the weakness of the state government. It was the duty of the government to initiate action against those who speak ill of other religions," he felt.

"In the name of protection of cattle, Gaurakshaks have raised their ugly head. They should be asked to rear cattle. Will they accept to rear a cow? he asked. There are different food habits in the country. Do not try to disturb the peace on issues of food habits," he requested.

Kumaraswamy said that changing the Constitution is impossible as Dr B R Ambedkar has made it robust. "No government can change the Constitution of the country," he said while replying to a query.