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Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has accused the Karnataka government of spreading misinformation about Hindustan Machine and Tools (HMT) and Kudremukh Iron and Steel Company (KIOCL), leading to 300-400 KIOCL workers losing their jobs due to the state's negligence.
Speaking at a press conference held at the JD(S) state office, JP Bhavan, in Bengaluru on Thursday, Kumaraswamy saod, "Due to the obstinacy of the state government, about 300-400 KIOCL workers have taken to the streets. While the government claims to create jobs for locals, it simultaneously shows neglect. Blaming the central government for every issue is futile. The CM should convene a meeting to discuss the problems. If there are issues, I will take responsibility. I will write to CM Siddaramaiah regarding this." Kumaraswamy emphasized that the state government should not politicize the KIOCL issue and instead work towards resolving the problems. He criticized the Forest Minister for making misleading statements and urged him to review the documents before speaking. The minister asserted, "If I am wrong, I will take responsibility. The state government should not politicize the KIOCL issue. If there are problems, we must sit down and resolve them. I am working to preserve public sector enterprises in the state. I will write to the Chief Ministers and the Forest Minister to convene a meeting where I will present my documents. If KIOCL is at fault, as the minister, I will take responsibility. Beyond that, it is inappropriate to politicize state interests." Kumaraswamy criticized the Forest Minister for constantly issuing misleading statements to the media about both organizations, urging him to first read the documents and understand the facts before speaking. He questioned if they could still be called ministers if they engaged in trivial politics regarding state development. Kumaraswamy highlighted the success of the National Steel Plant (RINL) in Visakhapatnam, where 4,500 workers were reappointed within 48 hours due to cooperation between the Central Finance Minister and the Andhra CM. He expressed disappointment that similar support is lacking in Karnataka. Kumaraswamy mentioned the National Steel Plant (RINL) in Visakhapatnam, which faced difficulties due to lack of operational funds, leading to the layoff of 4,500 workers. However, under the pressure of Central Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu, those workers were reappointed within 48 hours. "While we receive such cooperation in neighbouring states, we do not have similar support in Karnataka," he said. He further said that no one from the state government has discussed the development of the state with him. "Will state development progress through statements made in passing? The state government must stop petty politics. Politics should not overshadow development, especially when elections are nearing. So far, no one has come to discuss state development with me. The only exception has been MB Patil, who visited my ministry in Delhi to discuss industrial development," Kumaraswamy pointed out that if the government wants approval for the Mekedatu project, mere demonstrations won't suffice. He urged the Forest Minister to stop trivial politics, mentioning that several industries, including Toyota, are relocating to other states. He asked what development grants have been discussed with legislator Rajukage and demanded that the minister bring the relevant documents to the meeting. "Why isn't a meeting being convened? Let's discuss all issues with the documents in hand. Eshwar Khandre is making baseless statements," Kumaraswamy asserted. (ANI)
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