Bengaluru, June 8: Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy targeted Congress leaders on Monday. His remarks were in response to comments regarding former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda’s lack of nomination for the Rajya Sabha. He specifically called out AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, labeling him a “recoverer.”
Kumaraswamy launched a sharp attack on Surjewala, accusing him of political hypocrisy. He suggested that before criticizing the Janata Dal (Secular), Surjewala should reflect on Congress’s past actions.
He alleged that Surjewala has turned Karnataka into an “ATM” through extortion. Instead of discussing Gowda, he urged Surjewala to focus on resolving internal conflicts and conspiracies within his party and government.
Kumaraswamy claimed that in 1997, Congress leaders conspired to remove H.D. Deve Gowda from the Prime Minister’s position, which he described as a betrayal. He noted that the people of Karnataka have questioned this for decades.
He also referenced the political events of 2019 in Karnataka, accusing Congress of backstabbing by toppling the coalition government despite forming an alliance.
Kumaraswamy accused Congress of double standards, stating that while the party outwardly pretends to uphold secularism, it engages in caste-based and opportunistic politics internally. He criticized Congress’s alliances in states like Tamil Nadu, alleging post-election opportunism.
Defending Deve Gowda, Kumaraswamy described him as a significant national leader and the only Prime Minister from Karnataka. He condemned the politicization of Gowda’s name for electoral gain.
He urged Congress leaders to focus on their party’s issues rather than targeting Gowda and the JD(S).
This statement comes amid ongoing political exchanges between JD(S) and Congress regarding Rajya Sabha nominations and coalition dynamics in Karnataka.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Congress President B.K. Hariprasad addressed the media in Bengaluru, calling the BJP’s alleged decision not to nominate former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda for the Rajya Sabha a betrayal of the state’s people. He stated that this act not only disrespects Gowda and the JD(S) but also insults the entire state.
Commenting on the BJP leadership’s decision not to nominate Gowda, Hariprasad claimed that the BJP and NDA coalition had deceived Gowda after seeking JD(S)’s support to pass several laws. He asserted that this was an affront to the people of Karnataka.
He warned that the public would respond appropriately in the coming days, and political consequences would follow. Meanwhile, Randeep Singh Surjewala criticized the BJP and JD(S) leadership for not nominating Gowda, calling the situation politically shocking and eye-opening.
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