The Congress Should Not Play Big Brother

Exclusive interview/ H.D. Kumaraswamy, chief minister, Karnataka.

- Prathima Nandakumar

The JD(S) - Congress coalition in Karnataka is undergoing teething troubles, especially over the allocation of ministerial portfolios. Both partners are keen on crucial ministries such as power, water resources, revenue, home, PWD and major industries. Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy is eyeing finance, as it would allow him to launch popular programmes, which would look good on the government’s report card. Interestingly, the JD(S), which is expected to get 12 of 34 cabinet berths, has only four members with ministerial experience.

The BJP, with a strength of 104 in the 224-member assembly, will pose a major challenge to Kumaraswamy even as he tries to formulate a common minimum programme with the Congress. On the policy front, the first major task for Kumaraswamy is to fulfil his promise of waiving off farm loans. But, writing off loans availed from nationalised banks alone would cost the exchequer 042,000 crore, which was dismissed as “fiscally imprudent” by the Congress. The new chief minister, however, enjoys the strong backing of the Congress high command, which is keen to showcase its magnanimous side before potential allies.

Kumaraswamy, who has not moved into his official bungalow because of poor vaastu, is working from a suite in a Bengaluru hotel. He spoke exclusively with THE WEEK about the dilemmas he is facing and his strengths and limitations in running a coalition government. He also spoke about the events that led to the formation of the coalition, which, he said, would be the base for a grand alliance.

Excerpts from the interview:

Your swearing-in ceremony provided a platform to showcase opposition unity before the next Lok Sabha elections.