Hassan (Karnataka), Feb 2 (PTI) – Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H D Kumaraswamy, has accused the Karnataka Congress government of orchestrating a plan to shut down the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) plant in Mangaluru, jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of employees.
Speaking to the media in Channarayapatna, Hassan district, on Sunday, Kumaraswamy claimed that the state government’s move is driven by political vendetta against him. He further emphasized that his first official action as Union Minister was to protect KIOCL, highlighting his commitment to the company’s survival.
Lack of Coordination from State Government
The Union Minister also criticized the Karnataka government for failing to engage with him on key industrial matters."It has been seven months since I took charge as Union Minister. I have personally inspected all industries and plants under my ministries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always prioritized Karnataka’s development and has welcomed my proposals. However, not a single official or leader from the state government has approached me to discuss Karnataka’s needs," Kumaraswamy said.
He pointed out that the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government had approved the Devadari mining project in Sandur back in 2011.
"To ensure its execution, I sought financial assistance from the Finance Ministry. However, Congress leaders deliberately twisted my efforts and created hurdles out of sheer political animosity," he alleged.
Blame Game Over KIOCL and Job Losses
Kumaraswamy claimed that due to Congress-led obstructions, hundreds of workers at the Kudremukh plant lost their jobs.To counter the shutdown threat, the central government has decided to merge KIOCL with the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), ensuring the company’s sustainability.
"While the Karnataka government is stifling industries due to political rivalry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration is working hard to revive them," he added.
HMT Revival Blocked Over Land Dispute
The Union Minister also accused the state government of blocking efforts to revive Hindustan Machine Tools Limited (HMT) by using land disputes with the Forest Department as an excuse.In addition, Kumaraswamy revealed his efforts to revive the historic Bhadravathi Iron & Steel Plant, established by the Mysore Maharajas and Sir M Visvesvaraya. However, he expressed doubts over receiving any support from the state government.
Push for AI Growth in Karnataka
Beyond industrial revival, Kumaraswamy reiterated the central government’s commitment to supporting Karnataka’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector."Karnataka is already a software hub. I am working to ensure that AI also receives the necessary push in the state. Discussions with relevant ministers at the Centre are underway to facilitate investments and policy support," he stated.
The Union Minister’s remarks underscore ongoing political tensions between the BJP-led Centre and the Congress-ruled Karnataka government, particularly regarding the future of key industries and employment in the state.
