Congress government obstructed revival of Kudremukh factory: H D Kumaraswamy
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Malavalli/Mandya: “The Congress government in the state, driven by political jealousy, is obstructing me at every step. I am not being allowed to work in the state,” expressed Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H D Kumaraswamy, in disappointment.
He was speaking at the consecration and Kumbhabhishekam ceremony of the newly installed idols of Lord Siddhi Vinayaka and Nagadevata at Handanahalli village in Malavalli taluk on Monday.
“The people of Mandya have elected me as their Member of Parliament. I am indebted to their blessings and trust. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given me the responsibility of the Heavy Industries and Steel portfolios in his cabinet. I am working hard to bring one or two industries to any part of Mandya, Ramanagara, or Tumakuru districts. But the state government is not supporting me,” he alleged.
Obstruction to Kudremukh Factory Revival
Kudremukh Iron Ore Company is one of the industrial establishments of the state in which we take pride, with its major plant located on the coastal belt of Mangaluru. Despite not providing jobs to thousands of locals, the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah, which was in power until 2018, collected funds and granted permissions after mining activities in Kudremukh had ceased. Although they took crores of rupees for mining allocations, no mining took place for years. Without mining, iron ore could not be supplied to the factory,” explained the Union Minister, laying the facts before the public.
“As soon as I became the Union Steel Minister, the ministry officials brought this issue to my attention and informed me about the state’s obstruction. Additionally, Kudremukh company required funds to initiate mining activities in Ballari. I signed the proposal to provide Rs 1,700 crore financial support and sent it to the Finance Ministry. As the Steel Minister, I signed it first with the intention of doing good for the state. However, the state government, out of political jealousy, obstructed it. Due to this, 2,000 employees at the Mangaluru plant lost their jobs. Ultimately, for the benefit of these people and the state, I decided to merge Kudremukh Company with NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation),” he said.
He further alleged that the state government is also politicizing the development of HMT and creating hurdles.
Recalling the cooperation of neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the Union Minister cited the example of Vizag Steel Plant.
“Chandrababu Naidu met me multiple times with the intention of reviving that plant. He attended many meetings. Leaders of that state, cutting across party lines, submitted demands to me. Isn’t that kind of commitment worthy of appreciation? But here, in our state, how right is it to mix politics with matters of development? Who suffers due to this? The youth are being denied employment – who is responsible for that?” he asked sharply.
Even in Development, State Government Playing Politics
“They’re not just failing to cooperate with their political opponents—they are not even supporting the good work being done. If this continues, how will industries ever be established in the state?” Kumaraswamy asked with concern.
“You, the people of Mandya, have given me political strength. You elected me as an MP. I will repay your debt. I’m here participating in a divine function, and I swear upon this deity that I will surely fulfill the expectations of the people of Mandya,” he vowed.
*Villages Should Remain Peaceful*
Expressing a desire for harmony, Minister Kumaraswamy said, “Villages should remain peaceful like they used to be. Auspicious events and religious programs should go beyond party politics. Political interference should not enter rural development activities. When I remember our childhood, I still get emotional. We had no facilities, very few technological advantages. Yet, people lived in harmony, with love and mutual respect. That atmosphere is now lost. We are becoming narrow-minded,” he said with pain.
“In earlier days, if a wedding happened in someone’s home, the entire village would come together. From breaking coconuts to putting up the pandal, cooking, serving—all of it would be done by the villagers themselves. I still remember sitting in line and enjoying boondi payasa,” he recalled fondly.
Paramapoojya Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji of the Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana graced the event and gave his blessings.
Sri Sri Annadaneshwara Swamiji of Shivagiri, Ramanagara; former MLA Dr. K. Annadani; and village elders were present.
*Ends*
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