BENGALURU: Peeved at the attack from opposition and the media over his limited waiver of farm loans and inability to fulfil some of his poll promises in his maiden budget, a combative Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has vowed to silence his critics.
"I am not running away from the challenge, I am not an escapist. I have taken charge just a month ago. Give me time, I will fulfil all my promises," he assured the Legislative Assembly on Monday.
Replying to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor's address, Kumaraswamy admitted that he had promised total waiver of farm loans, of weavers, of Women Self Help Groups, `6,000 per month allowance for senior citizens, regularisation of services of contract workers in government departments and much more.
"But I cannot bring changes overnight. I took charge as the CM only a month ago. I am not running away from the challenge. Please give me time. I will bring the change, I will fulfil my promises. I will try to find solutions for the problems," he appealed.
However, he made it clear that he will deliver on his promises in phases and it will be impossible to do it in one go.
Taking serious exception to criticism from the opposition and media about his maiden budget which has been termed as "elder brother-younger brothers' budget," "father and sons budget" and "Hassan and Mandya budget", Kumaraswamy said he will reply to all these charges during the debate on the budget.
"I am committed to my words. I have been accused of discriminating against North Karnataka and betraying the farmers. Efforts are on to mislead people. I will reply to all these charges during my reply to the debate on budget," he said.
No mandate for my manifesto
Hitting out at those who are now accusing him of betraying the people, Kumaraswamy asked, "Where is the mandate for me to fulfil my poll promises?" People failed to give me the mandate even though JD(S) manifesto had promised total farm loan waiver within 24 hours, waiver of loans of weavers and monthly pension for senior citizens.
"I should have got 113 seats if people had accepted my manifesto. People have rejected my manifesto and have given me just 38 seats. As a result I am pushed into a coalition. I am working under severe limitations. But still I am committed to delivering my promises," he said.
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