Don’t have blessings of people, ‘punyatma’ Rahul Gandhi has given me power: Kumaraswamy

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday described Congress President a "Punyatma" (good soul) and said he has given him the power to rule the state.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi with Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy. PTI Photo

BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday described Congress President a "Punyatma" (good soul) and said he has given him the power to rule the state. "Today even though I don't have the blessings of people, Punyatma Rahul Gandhi placing trust in me has given the power. We have got a good opportunity. I will do it. He will not oppose, I will convince him," PTI quoted Kumaraswamy as saying. "Taking him (Rahul Gandhi) into confidence, I will have to come to a decision," he said, as he tried to pacify farmers during his meeting with farmers' organisations regarding farm loan waiver. "You (farmers) have a golden opportunity, utilise it, and stand with us. When election comes vote whomever you want....but utilise this opportunity," he added. This comment from the JDS leader comes a day after he said that he was at the "mercy" of the Congress and not the people of Karnataka. For this remark, he has faced flak from different quarters. However, Kumaraswamy said he never meant to show disrespect to the people of the state. "What I meant was so long as they (Congress) support me I can continue. So, whatever programmes we have to pursue, I will be at the mercy of Congress." There is a good understanding between him and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara of the Congress, Kumaraswamy told farmers, adding, there will not be any difference between them, and the government will be "stable". "If someone wants to remove (the government), we will not allow it to happen easily. We too understand politics to an extent. We will run this government," he added. Reiterating his government's commitment for the cause of farmers, the Chief Minister said "all your wishes will be fulfilled, but give us time." This development has come at a time when there is still no clarity on the cabinet expansion in the state, amid reports about lack of consensus between coalition partners, Congress and JD(S), over key portfolio allocation, especially Finance. (With inputs from PTI)