Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah completed 100 days in office on Monday. After his party's spectacular victory in the last week's by-polls to Lok Sabha and Vidhana Parishad, a beaming Siddaramaiah came to New Delhi, on Monday night. He spoke to DP Satish on his government and political gains he has made. He strongly backed the Food Security Bill.
Question The UPA at the Centre has just passed the Food Security Bill (FSB) in the Lok Sabha. What are your views on this? Because, you have also introduced Rs.1 per 1 KG rice scheme in Karnataka.
Answer: Food Security Bill is very good for the country. India still has a huge population, which can't afford even two meals a day. It is our primary duty to take care of them. The UPA led by Sonia Gandhi has taken a bold decision. I request our political opponents not to oppose welfare schemes for the heck of it. Not all schemes are populist. They are necessary. Thirty kg rice for just Rs 30 was Congress' poll promise. We implemented it within two months of taking charge. The scheme is doing well. We have also started a scheme Ksheera Bhagya in Karnataka. All government primary school children get free milk in their schools. 100 days in office is nothing. I have a long way to go and a lot more to do. We can't betray people's faith.
Question It seems you have been quiet successful in consolidating your power in just 100 days. You have also won by-polls.
Answer: Government work is a team work. I am not a power hungry politician. I don't believe in such things. Yes, it is true that the Congress has consolidated its power in Karnataka. People have returned to the Congress after 9 years. I am very happy about by-poll results. We had no doubt over our chances. The victory margin proves that our win in the Assembly elections was not a fluke.
Question The KPCC President Dr G Parameshwar is demanding that he should be made Deputy Chief Minister and the Vokkaliga strongman DK Shivakumar wants to be a minister with a plum portfolio. Are you okay with this?
Answer: Our high command takes such decisions. I can't decide that. If the high command asks me to expand my Cabinet, I will do it. It is quiet natural for a politician to have aspirations. There is nothing wrong in it.
Question You led the Congress attack on illegal mining in Karnataka, when you were in the opposition. But, you are yet to act on Justice N Santosh Hegde's report on it. Are you ordering a CBI probe?
Answer: It is true that we are against the mining mafia. There is no change in our stand. We have appointed a committee headed by the Chief Secretary to the government SV Ranganath to study Lokayukta report. We will take a decision on further action, once we get this report.
Question Your critics say your government is slow?
Answer: As I have already said, governments can't function like a company. We have a huge responsibility. We are answerable to the people. Even if we are slow, we will do the right things.
Question Do you think that the JDS and the BJP are losing ground in the state? The JDS alleges that you are vindictive?
Answer: The people have rejected their politics. One can't fool the people all the time. Both of them have been exposed. I don't believe in political witch hunting. The Gowdas are known for their vindictive politics.
Question What about murmurs of dissent within the party? Many senior leaders are reportedly unhappy with your style of functioning?
Answer: There is no dissent. Neither in party, nor in government. It is a creation of some vested interests. We are united. Because of that, we have continued our victory march in the by-polls. We are united and will win more than 20 seats from Karnataka in the next Lok Sabha elections.
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