Gowda says he became Karnataka CM accidentally, now confident to lead

New Delhi, Oct 22 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister D.V. Sadanand Gowda on Saturday said he was not an aspirant for the post but became the chief minister of the state 'accidentally'.

In an exclusive interview with Asian News International, Gowda said: "I became the Chief Minister accidentally, I was never an aspirant or I have never placed my demand for the chief ministership, but the political constraints that made me to become the chief minister, after the resignation of my predecessor Yeddyurappa, I was placed in his place."

Asserting that his party's image is damaged due to various reasons, Gowda said he is taking initiatives towards bringing back the clean image of the party, in particular the administration of Karnataka.

"It is not only because of the ruling party in state, the total political scenario all over the country, including Karnataka, has been dented to a considerable extent," he added.

Accepting that few cabinet colleagues have been booked under various charges, which has diminished the party's image, Gowda said there is a big hand behind it by some of the party opponents; they are doing all sorts of activities.

"Though it is humiliating for a party which rules the state, but the matter is in the court of law and is under investigation," he added.

The BJP-led government in Karnataka has experienced a tempestuous tenure over the past few months.

Speaking on the issue of illegal mining, Gowda said there have been allegations of some sort of misappropriation or mishandling of the mining properties. He pointed out that just because of the bar on mining, the state has lost about 4,500 crores to the state exchequer and nearly one and a half lakh people have been jobless.

"Because of this illegal mining activities in Karnataka, the environmental problems and other things have come up, so now the Supreme Court has directed us to give a plan for environmental rejuvenation and we have placed before the Supreme Court the present situation. I hope that certainly they will come to our rescue," said Gowda.

Gowda further said the Supreme Court and Central Empowered Committee are taking the matter very seriously and we hope that they will come out with a solution and will give justice to the state.

On the restart of mining activities in the Bellary mines, Gowda said it would only be done after the directions by the Supreme Court or Central Empowered Committee. (ANI)