Learn from N. Chandrababu Naidu on how to develop state, Union Minister Kumaraswamy tells Karnataka

Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, on Friday alleged that the Karnataka government has consistently failed to cooperate with the central government on developmental initiatives.

Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, the Minister directly criticised the state government for its indifference towards crucial projects like the revival of the Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant in Bhadravati.

"Despite being my home state, Karnataka government has not extended any support to my efforts. I am working tirelessly for development, and people are watching everything," said Kumaraswamy.


He further criticised the Karnataka government’s daily criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning whether such actions would lead to the state’s progress. "Learn from Naidu’s Commitment” he said referring to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

"Naidu has met me multiple times and held discussions over the Vizag Steel Plant. He has even communicated frequently over the phone. His commitment to his state's development is exemplary. Karnataka’s leadership should learn from him."

The Minister accused the Karnataka government of political vendetta, stating, "Whatever initiatives I undertake for Karnataka are deliberately obstructed by the state government out of political spite."

No requests or communication from Karnataka

"Till now, I haven’t received a single formal request from the Karnataka government regarding developmental issues," said Kumaraswamy, addressing media queries. He pointed out the hurdles caused by the state government, especially in matters related to Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL).
“The state government hasn’t even shown the courtesy of writing a letter. Hundreds of workers lost their jobs due to the state government’s negligence," he added.
He explained that after becoming the Union Steel Minister, his first action was approving the Devadari Mining Project to support Kudremukh. "I signed the financial approval for the project. However, the state government launched misinformation campaigns, claiming it was my initiative, while it was actually approved during the tenure of the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government," he said.
Kumaraswamy said, *"If the state government continues such obstruction, how will Karnataka develop? How will KIOCL survive?"

Concerns over HMT’s legacy

Referring to the iconic Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT), Kumaraswamy accused the Karnataka government of attempting to reclaim HMT’s land.
"The land was originally purchased by HMT with funds from the Mysore Maharaja.

There are records to prove this. Instead of aiding the revival of HMT, the state government is creating obstacles,"* he alleged.

Kumaraswamy warned against any plans to repurpose the land, stating, “If the state government plans to reclaim the land, they should also repossess all other properties leased or encroached upon. The truth about those involved in such encroachments will be revealed to the people," he asserted.

Revival efforts for Kudremukh and HMT

The Minister highlighted his ongoing efforts to merge KIOCL with NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation) to ensure its survival. He also emphasized the challenges faced by HMT, questioning the Karnataka government’s lack of support for its revival.

“Political vendetta and neglect by the state government have hindered Karnataka’s development. It is time for the state leadership to prioritize public welfare over politics."