New K'taka CM promises all-round development

Promising people that the new coalition partners, JD (S) and BJP, would strike a better co-ordination, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said the new government was committed to providing "a pro-people, pro-farmer and transparent governance."

Defending the emergence of the new coalition following the collapse of the one led by the Congress, which "failed" to honour "the coalition dharma," Kumaraswamy told reporters after taking over the reins of the state that efforts would be made to curb corruption by arming Lok Ayukta with more powers.

Unfolding his government's agenda and the political initiatives the two parties would be adopting to ensure a stable government, he said: "We have decided to maintain cordiality and share power for 20 months each."

Kumaraswamy said he would head the ministry for the coming 20 months, and B S Yediyurappa, who took oath as deputy chief minister, would lead the team for the remaining period.

He said JD (S) would have 16 ministers, including the chief minister's post, while the BJP will get 18 berths, which includes the deputy chief minister's post.

The new government was committed to providing "free, efficient, transparent and pro-people government," Kumaraswamy declared in the presence of Yediyurappa.

He outlined various administrative initiatives the new ministry has chalked out at its first customary cabinet meeting to tone up administration, saying a meeting of government secretaries would be convened soon, and strict
instructions issued to respond to people's grievances.

Assuring that the new regime would not resort to vindictive politics, he said all the welfare programmes of the previous government, including distribution of foodgrains at subsidised rates, lending of farm credit at 6% interest and interest waiver schemes, would be continued.