BANGALORE: Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda has completed one month in office — a job he never dreamt of and into which he was catapulted by his friend and former CM B S Yeddyurappa.Now, Gowda has his task cut out to prove that he is not the shadow of his predecessor.He has made efforts to take everyone along by giving more freedom to Cabinet colleagues.In his maiden media interview to Rajashekara S of The New Indian Express, Gowda says as this is the toughest job of his life, he needs another month to settle down in the new role.Excerpts: TNIE: It’s a month since you assumed office. Have you settled down? DVS: Not yet.Considering high people’s expectations and the present political scenario with internal party problems, to take everyone into confidence, and to ensure newcomers to the party are in line with our thinking and functioning, it may require at least another month to fully settle down.TNIE: What are the priorities of your government? DVS: Disposal of files is the top priority.Because, pending files lead to corruption.I have laid down certain guidelines to change the government’s image by streamlining administration.A few measures like applying brakes on unnecessary transfers, dealing firmly with illegal mining and focus on people-friendly administration.Housing, power, social security, education, health and drinking water are other focus areas.TNIE: You have taken charge at a time when there is a growing public resentment against corruption in public life.How you plan to address this?DVS: If I start following transparency as a rule of thumb, then everything will fall in line.Whatever cleansing needs to be done in public life has to begin from the CM’s office.At the same time, I am aware that one cannot fully eradicate corruption, though it can definitely be minimised.TNIE: There is a general feeling that administration has collapsed because of political uncertainty. How you plan to bring it on track? DVS: I don’t agree with this.We have a team of dedicated and neutral officers.They are implementing programmes, completely detached to politics.But there is a need to expedite programme implementation.TNIE: What is your dream for Karnataka? DVS: I never dreamt of becoming the CM.Now...there is no need to dream.My focus remains implementing the programmes and policies of my predecessor Yeddyurappa.It is sufficient if I implement his budget proposals.TNIE: You have asked your relatives to stay away from administrative matters.Was it a conscious decision or were you compelled to take it seeing the experience of your predecessors who courted trouble because of their kith and kin? DVS: The job of the CM is entrusted to me and not my wife and son.Those who kept their family members away from administrative matters have got good results.It is the duty of my wife and son to look after me and my job is to look after the people.TNIE: You are seen as Yeddyurappa’s shadow...DVS: I can not betray my leader Yeddyurappa.He is the one who made me CM.I continue to meet him once a week to get advice...But this does not mean that I have to listen to whatever he says or I am acting on his behalf.I am not worried if my rivals dub me as a weak CM.I don’t need anyone’s certificate.My conscience is my biggest certificate.At the end of the day, when I go to bed, if my conscience says I have done good work that is enough.TNIE: What happens to Lokayukta’s final report on illegal mining? DVS: Additional Chief Secretary K Jairaj and other officers are studying it.They will suggest action within one month.TNIE: Do you give the Lokayukta powers to prosecute? DVS: The Lokpal Bill being debated by Parliament reportedly has some guidelines to all state governments on the functioning and powers of the Lokayukta.If it is approved, based on it we will act.It may take some time.
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