Nobody untouchable in politics: Kumaraswamy

Kumaraswamy denied that he and his father were opposing infrastructure projects or development of the state. On the BMIC project, the CM said he would act according to the legal opinion that was being awaited. ‘‘It was during my father’s tenure as the Chief Minister that Karnataka started its IT sector advancement. IT, BT and all other sectors of the industry are very happy with our government. In fact, Infosys chief Narayanamurthy appreciates my government,’’ Kumaraswamy, who pulled down the Congress-led state government three months ago to form his own, said. He is now leader of the JD(S)-BJP alliance.

Stressing that he did not believe in the ‘‘secular-communal’’ debate, Kumaraswamy said increasing the bargaining power of his party vis-a-vis Delhi was his aim. Asked if he was open to any form of alliance in a future central government with ‘‘BJP, Congress or a Third Front,’’ the CM said ‘‘Yes.’’ ‘‘Nobody is untouchable for me in politics. My only interest is my state’s development and my ambition is to strengthen my party to a much higher level.’’

Kumaraswamy accused the Congress of breaking up the alliance formed after the 2004 assembly elections. The CM said the Congress had ‘‘promised the Maharashtra model,’’ in running the alliance but failed to do so. ‘‘My MLAs were opposed to the alliance with the Congress in the first place. As the Congress did not keep its word, they started putting pressure on me. They forced me to become the Chief Minister. Otherwise, I did not want it myself,’’ he said defending his decision to part ways with the Congress join hands with the BJP.

The CM tried to protect the secular image of his father, stating that he did not approve of the alliance with BJP. ‘‘My father is in no way connected to my alliance with the BJP. He is only interested in good governance. He is pleased with my style of functioning,’’ he said. Kumaraswamy said his father was dragged into Delhi politics ‘‘when no one wanted to be Prime Minister’’. ‘‘He was doing great work as Chief Minister of Karntakata. He spoiled his political career by becoming the Prime Minister. Karnataka also was affected adversely because of his exit,’’ the CM said.