Bengaluru, June 17: H.D. Kumaraswamy, the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel and leader of the Janata Dal (Secular), launched a fierce attack on Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday. He accused the ruling Congress party of orchestrating a campaign of defamation against him and his family through derogatory posters.
Speaking to reporters, Kumaraswamy expressed disappointment that such activities had not ceased following Shivakumar’s ascension to the chief ministership. “I had hoped that after becoming Chief Minister, such activities would stop. However, that mindset has not changed,” he stated.
Kumaraswamy referred to posters alleging that he and his son, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, own 100 acres of land. He dismissed these claims as misleading and politically motivated. “The posters claim that Nikhil and I possess 100 acres. I purchased 46 acres through hard work nearly 40 years ago. What other properties are registered in my name?” he questioned.
He also defended his wife, former legislator Anita Kumaraswamy, asserting that her 36-37 acres of land were acquired legally. Kumaraswamy accused the perpetrators of these posters of attempting to mislead the public and tarnish his family’s reputation.
Targeting Chief Minister Shivakumar, he emphasized that the position of Chief Minister carries dignity and decorum that must be upheld. Kumaraswamy alleged that similar posters had also been placed against BJP leaders B.Y. Vijayendra, Chaluvarayaswamy, and others. He insisted that if anyone has committed wrongdoing, legal action should be taken rather than resorting to public defamation.
He declared that he would not be intimidated by such attacks. “My life is an open book. My workers and the public know everything about me. I am not afraid of these posters or threats. I will continue my fight for farmers,” he affirmed.
Recently, Kumaraswamy faced allegations of contacting Congress legislators during a meeting of the Congress legislative party. He denied any political conspiracy, stating, “We are a small party. The Congress has the government, resources, and economic power. How could we launch such a campaign against them?”
He explained that the JD(S) fielded a candidate solely to consolidate party votes and denied any conspiracy to influence legislators. He also mentioned that support was sought from the BJP where additional votes were available.
Regarding speculation that internal discord within the Congress could benefit the JD(S), he remarked, “It depends on God’s will. If that happens, it could strengthen the opposition against the government.”
Kumaraswamy downplayed criticisms from former Chief Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, stating, “My workers will respond to him. He is currently trying to save his position. I do not wish to lower myself by responding to such statements.”
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