Yediyurappa slams Karnataka govt over drought, says BJP-JD(S) will form next govt

Davanagere (Karnataka) (PTI): Veteran BJP leader B S Yediyurappa on Sunday accused the Congress government in Karnataka of arrogant and irresponsible governance, alleging that it had failed to address drought and the hardships faced by people.

The former Karnataka CM expressed confidence that the BJP and the JD(S) would contest the next election together, secure a majority and form the government in the state.

"This (D K Shivakumar-led) government is the height of irresponsibility. It has no understanding of drought or the hardships faced by people. It is behaving arrogantly despite having an overwhelming majority," Yediyurappa told reporters.

He said people would teach the government a fitting lesson and alleged that it had refused to correct its mistakes despite criticism and suggestions from the media and others.

Yediyurappa also alleged that a "systematic conspiracy" had been at play to remove Siddaramaiah from the post of CM.

"Intoxicated by power, they are doing whatever they want. People will teach them a lesson. As part of a systematic conspiracy, Shivakumar and others made him (Siddaramaiah) step down as CM. It is a well-known fact. Appropriate lessons will be taught to those behind it. Siddaramaiah is silently watching all the developments. Let's see what happens in the future," he said in response to a question.

The BJP leader said his party and the JD(S), led by Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, would work together to form the next government.

"I am 100 per cent confident that the BJP and JD(S) will fight together, secure a majority and form the government. Kumaraswamy and we are not separate; we will come together to form the next government," he said.

Appealing to the people of Karnataka, Yediyurappa urged them to vote for the BJP-JD(S) alliance to power, alleging that the Congress government was corrupt.

"I appeal to the people to remove this corrupt government and bring in a good government. We must work together to bring a BJP-JD(S) government to power," he said.