CM joins issue with BJP, says 'Grama Vastavya' not political

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Monday said his'Grama Vastavya' (overnight stay in villages) programme was not a 'political gimmick', even as the BJP Monday dismissed it and said the people need relief from the "daily streetfight" between Congress and JD(S) leaders.

Dismissing the initiative as a drama, BJP state unit chief B S Yeddyurappa alleged that the chief minister was wasting crores of rupees in the name of 'Grama Vastavya'.

Hitting back at Yeddyurappa, Kumaraswamy said, Grama Vastavya is not a political gimmick, it can be done only with "freedom of conscience", "humanity", and a will power to solve problems with a "motherly heart".

'Grama Vastavya' is aimed at taking administration to the people.

Rejecting Yeddyurappa's allegation that crores of rupees were being spent on the programme, Kumaraswamy said spending on him during the Grama Vastavya was only limited to travel cost, and basic facilities for stay at a government school.

Pointing out that at Chandaraki village, foundations were laid for various projects worth 58 crore , he said, those programmes don't come under the cost of Grama Vastavya.

"Ihope that those in responsible positions speak after knowing the reality," Kumaraswamy said in a statement.

Yeddyurappa claimed that internal squabble in the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition had created an atmosphere that the government may collapse any time and asked Kumaraswamy as to when people would get relief from his administration that has lost direction.

"During his stay at Chandaraki village in Yadgir district last week- just imagine- he (CM) claims to be a simple man and boasted that state's exchequer will be burdened if he travels by a helicopter, Rs 1.22 crore was spent for luxury, food and other things- you (CM) should be ashamed," the BJP leader said.

Yeddyurappa also hit out at Kumaraswamy for boasting about his simplicity, while "running the administration from a five star hotel."
"How some thing that was sweet then, has turned bitter today?"