Bengaluru: In an address to Janata Dal (Secular) MLAs and MLCs, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy reportedly told that he was functioning like a clerk and not like a chief minister because of Congress’ interference in everything.
Some JD(S) MLAs revealed that he explained the difficulties the party is facing after it joined hands with Congress to keep the BJP away from power last May.
“He is sad. He almost cried. Told us that the Congress was behaving like a big brother, forcing him to sign all kinds of orders. They forced him to expand the Cabinet and even appointed chairpersons to government run boards and corporations without his approval. He feels that it is getting tougher with each passing day,” said an MLA.
JD(S) Supremo and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, who was also present in the meeting, assured the legislators that he would not do anything against the coalition till the most crucial Parliament elections are over.
Gowda is reportedly focusing on winning at least 6 Lok Sabha seats from Karnataka, and does not want to jeopardise the party’s chances.
The JD(S) is eyeing 9 Lok Sabha seats, whereas, Congress is offering them just six seats and it has led to a serious friction in recent weeks.
Many leaders from both the Congress and the JD(S) feel that coalition may collapse after the Parliament elections because of inherent contradictions in the alliance.
