Miffed over the denial of an official bungalow of his choice, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly H D Kumaraswamy has decided not to move into any other quarters allotted by the state government to him.
“As an Opposition Leader, I am entitled to get an official bungalow of my choice. When the government cannot provide it, there is no point in taking any benefits from the government,” he made his stand clear.
“I had asked for a bungalow on Race Course Road, opposite to Bangalore Race Course or near Kumara Park. But the government is dragging its feet. I did not ask the bungalow to enjoy, but to receive people who come from all over the state to meet me,” he told Express on Wednesday.
Kumaraswamy said, “It is a courtesy to offer coffee/tea and food who come to meet me. When I cannot provide it, what is the need for me becoming Opposition Leader.” “Rich people don’t come to meet me. Most of the visitors are poor and physically challenged who come to meet with a little hope of help from the government. At present, they have to come all the way to my house at J P Nagar which is not quite spacious enough to treat my visitors. But I will manage with it.”
He said, “I learn that the quarters on Race Course Road (used by former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa) has been allotted to a minister and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been holding the official bungalow meant for Opposition Leader in the Assembly. I am not ready to go and occupy any other quarters. As an Opposition Leader, I enjoy a status bestowed by Legislature for which I am not ready for compromise. I have written to the government that I am not going to accept any bungalow given to me.”
He clarified that his office had written to the government seeking a new Fortuner SUV, but he was offered an Innova.
“I refused to use the vehicle used by Siddaramaiah as it had been used for four years. I prefer to travel during night. What if the vehicle breaks down mid-way? I have better vehicles which I will use them for official purposes too,” he categorically said.