Daijiworld Media Network - Kalaburagi (MS)

Kalaburagi, Oct 26: "I am always a hero. There is no question of me becoming a villain," fumed leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah.

Siddaramaiah was speaking in the city with the scribes. He further said, "Is it possible to run the government by sitting in Taj Westend hotel?" taunting the former CM Kumaraswamy, who had accused Siddaramaiah of being the cause for him losing his chief ministerial position.

Siddaramaiah also said that his statement will embarrass Kumaraswamy. Siddaramiah also urged the government to call a special session of assembly to discuss the flood-related issue as the government has completely failed in managing the flood situation in the state.

Siddaramaiah was in the city to visit the flood-affected areas of the district. Accusing the government of totally failing in managing the flood situation, he said, "The ruling BJP government has acted in an irresponsible manner with regards to the management of flood situation. That is why I have called it a government without guts. But some people are comparing it to physical power. They are saying that they have four times more strength than me. I have not spoken about physical strength. I said that this government does not have the strength to get more compensation for flood-affected victims. Even now, if the BJP government has guts, let them get compensation from the Centre and call a special session to discuss the flood management in the state."

"In 23 districts of the state farmers and the public are facing difficulties due to flood and incessant rains. The district-in-charge ministers should visit the respective districts and look after the relief work. However, the minister in-charge of Kalaburagi district has not visited the district since May. The revenue minister has visited the district as if going for a picnic. CM Yediyurappa has just done an aerial survey. Due to the attitude of CM and ministers, the officials are working without any concern. Though the people are in difficulty due to floods, neither the Centre nor the state governments have released a rupee as compensation. The government has completely failed in handling the flood situation in the state," said Siddaramaiah.

Siddaramaiah further said, "Central government is continuously meting injustice to Karnataka. CM Yediyurappa says there are no funds for any work. I urge him to call a special session to discuss the devastation that has occurred due to flood and rains. The state government should immediately release compensation for the flood and rain-affected people in the state without giving lame excuses. The district-in-charge minister has to be in the district and reciprocate to the plight of the victims of the flood."