Kumaraswamy accuses Congress of creating rifts in BJP-JD(S) alliance

Mandya: Union minister and JD(S) state unit chief HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday accused Congress leaders of attempting to create divisions within the BJP-JD(S) alliance.

Speaking to reporters at Mandya, he said the ruling party is trying to create divisions between the NDA partners in the state, as BJP has not nominated former PM H D Deve Gowda to the Rajya Sabha. But Gowda never sought political positions for personal gain, he said.

Referring to the recent accident at a steel plant in Visakhapatnam, where nine workers lost their lives, Kumaraswamy said he rushed to the site immediately after receiving information about the tragedy. Describing the incident as heartbreaking, he assured support to the affected families. He said compensation of around Rs 1.5 crore would be provided to each bereaved family, besides housing, educational support for children, and employment to one family member. Medical expenses of the injured workers would also be fully covered.

He dismissed speculation surrounding the JD(S) decision to field a candidate for the legislative council elections, asserting that there was no hidden political agenda behind the move.

Kumaraswamy said the party’s decision was intended to demonstrate the unity of its 18 MLAs. He pointed out that the BJP has a few surplus votes and that support has also been sought from MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, giving the alliance a realistic chance of victory. However, he emphasised that the JD(S) and BJP were not engaging in any form of horse-trading and would await the election outcome.

On the political impact of DK Shivakumar becoming chief minister, Kumaraswamy said it would have little effect on voting patterns. He maintained that traditional JD(S) supporters would continue to back the party, while Congress voters would remain with Congress, irrespective of who occupies the CM’s post.