HD Kumaraswamy to vacate five-star suites

TNN | May 28, 2019, 08.38 AM IST
HD Kumaraswamy to vacate five-star suites
BENGALURU: Facing flak from various quarters, especially in the context of the resounding Lok Sabha poll losses, chief minister HD Kumaraswamy is reportedly contemplating quitting the Taj West End hotel, from where he has been operating for the past year. Though he normally stays at his own home in JP Nagar, he has, more or less, operated from a set of suites at this tony five-star hotel since becoming chief minister.
Sources said he was advised by Siddaramaiah, Congress legislature party leader, to give up the suites when the two had met on Sunday night to discuss political strategies to save the coalition government. However, JD(S) sources claimed the CM was advised to vacate the rooms by his personal astrologer as part of astrological remedies based on the CM’s horoscope.

The Times of India had reported on Kumaraswamy’s style of functioning, including his penchant for private aircraft and star properties, in a report on May 25.

Kumaraswamy has been facing criticism from people and the opposition BJP for the past year over his lifestyle. The BJP has claimed that "badavara bandhu" (messiah of the poor) has chosen to live in a luxury hotel where the common man has no access. The opposition has repeatedly raised questions on who foots the monthly hotel bill which runs into lakhs of rupees.

During the winter session of the assembly in Belagavi last year, Yeddyurappa had said, "After taking oath, Kumaraswamy had made tall claims that he would cut costs to the state exchequer by not using the official car and official bungalow and instead would operate from his private residence."

Yeddyurappa had also quoted reports of Kumaraswamy claiming he was the most accessible CM Karnataka has ever seen. "Now, let him explain to the people whether he is accessible at his Taj West End rooms," he said as Kumaraswamy maintained a stoic silence.

JD(S) sources said the suites were booked by a businessman close to the CM for a year and the booking will expire in August. "The CM gets several government benefits including official residence and offices. But why work from a five star hotel? He talks about austerity measures but indulges in such luxuries. His image has taken a severe beating," a Congress leader said.