Bengaluru, Jan 15 : Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, said on Thursday that he will not stay away from Karnataka's politics.

"I am in politics. It is the people of the state who will decide where I should be. Based on the wishes of the people, I will decide when to return to state politics," Kumaraswamy added.

Reacting to queries from the media near his residence in Bengaluru, the Union Minister said, "We (BJP-JD-S) are part of the NDA alliance. There should be no room for confusion within this alliance. Our objective is to bring a good government in the state. This is my personal intention."

"If anyone thinks that I am moving away from state politics, that is wrong. I will not move away from state politics. I will remain active in state politics. At the Centre, the Prime Minister has entrusted me with responsibilities and given me the opportunity to work sincerely in two Ministries. I will decide when to return to state politics. There is no escaping it," he said in response to a query.

"I am continuously observing how the administration is functioning in the state. A good government should come, and people should live peacefully. In this regard, whatever position the people of the state decide for me, I will abide by it. This is not in my hands," he replied pointedly.

Responding to the development of threatening and abuse by Congress leader Rajeev Gowda against Shidlaghatta Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda, Kumaraswamy said that ever since the Congress-led state government came to power in the state, incidents of harassment against government officials have been increasing.

"This is not right. I have already informed the state Chief Secretary about the Shidlaghatta case. So far, no action has been taken," he added.

He expressed distress over the incident in which a Congress leader from Sidlaghatta allegedly threatened an state government official.

"It is truly unfortunate. Not just our party, but workers and leaders of any party should not behave inappropriately with government officials. If strict action is taken in one or two cases, it will serve as a lesson," Kumaraswamy said advising the Karnataka government.

"There is a widespread trend in the state government of pressuring officials to get work done. From ordinary party workers to those in power, people are pressuring officials to carry out illegal activities. Such things happen when the state government is not functioning properly. If the system is right, such incidents will not occur," the Union Minister said, expressing strong displeasure with the Karnataka government.

He also cautioned government officials to perform their duties carefully.

"If officials engage in illegal activities for promotions or postings, they will have to face the consequences. Recently, I read a newspaper editorial titled 'Poor quality work; six responsible'. It exposed irregularities committed by engineers during the construction of Vidhana Soudha. After eight years, the Lokayukta has ordered action against the officials. Therefore, officials should not work under pressure from elected representatives. Work with a clear conscience and ensure that government rules are not violated," Kumaraswamy said.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy also extended Makar Sankranti greetings to the people of the state.

"Sankranti is a festival of farmers. I pray that nature cooperates this time without untimely weather changes. Sankranti is a celebration of the sons and daughters of the soil, a symbol of harvest and prosperity. On this auspicious occasion, may good happen to everyone. Like sesame and jaggery, may happiness, peace, and harmony prevail in every home, and may everyone be blessed with long life and good health," he said.

/IANS