KarnatakaPolitics – Kumaraswamy Rejects Congress Claims Over Rajya Sabha Nomination Debate
KarnatakaPolitics – Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday dismissed allegations surrounding the Rajya Sabha nomination issue involving former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) patriarch HD Deve Gowda. He accused Congress leaders of raising the matter for political reasons and attempting to create misunderstandings between the BJP and JDS, the two partners in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Speaking after inaugurating newly constructed school classrooms funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Taggahalli village of Mandya district, Kumaraswamy said the controversy being highlighted by Congress lacked any genuine concern for Deve Gowda and was aimed at gaining political mileage.
Kumaraswamy Defends Deve Gowda’s Position
According to Kumaraswamy, there was no question of the BJP denying a Rajya Sabha seat to Deve Gowda. He clarified that the veteran leader had not sought renomination and therefore the issue was being unnecessarily amplified.
The Union Minister stated that Congress leaders were portraying sympathy for Deve Gowda without any real concern for him. He maintained that efforts to create friction within the BJP-JDS alliance would not succeed and described the campaign as politically motivated.
Former Prime Minister Described as a Leader of Principles
Highlighting Deve Gowda’s political journey, Kumaraswamy said the former Prime Minister had never been driven by a desire for positions or power. He noted that throughout his career, Gowda had placed self-respect and principles above political office.
Kumaraswamy remarked that when circumstances affected Gowda’s dignity, he chose to step away from high office rather than compromise his values. He argued that portraying him as someone seeking positions was far removed from reality.
Rajya Sabha Election History Revisited
Responding to claims that Congress had previously helped ensure Deve Gowda’s unopposed entry into the Rajya Sabha, Kumaraswamy offered a different perspective. He said the political equations at that time were unique and no party had sufficient strength to challenge Gowda effectively.
According to him, JDS possessed the necessary numerical support required for the election, and therefore Gowda’s victory was not dependent on Congress backing. He stressed that historical facts should not be misrepresented for present-day political narratives.
Karnataka Political Developments Under Watch
On the evolving political situation in Karnataka, Kumaraswamy said the JDS would closely observe developments over the next two months, particularly the actions and decisions of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
He declined to comment on recent remarks by a former minister regarding speculation over future leadership changes in the state. Kumaraswamy also rejected reports suggesting that former minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan had been communicating with him, stating that he had not been in touch with Congress leaders.
Reaction to Shivakumar’s Remarks
Addressing Shivakumar’s recent statement about visiting him for political advice, Kumaraswamy responded with skepticism. He questioned what guidance he could possibly offer and suggested that excessive humility in politics often carries hidden intentions.
Referring to a well-known traditional saying, he indicated that displays of unusual modesty sometimes raise doubts about the motives behind them.
Legislative Council Polls and Political Calculations
When asked about the possibility of JDS contesting the upcoming Legislative Council elections, Kumaraswamy acknowledged that both JDS and Congress required additional votes to improve their prospects.
He said JDS would seek support from Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who was expelled from the BJP, while continuing its own efforts to gather backing. At the same time, he noted that Congress possessed significant political and financial resources, making the contest an interesting one to watch.
Fuel Price Concerns Linked to Global Situation
Commenting on rising fuel and cooking gas prices, Kumaraswamy attributed the increases to international circumstances, including ongoing geopolitical conflicts affecting global markets.
He said the issue was not limited to India and pointed out that several countries were facing similar economic pressures due to global instability. The minister also accused Congress of turning every issue into a political debate.
Referring to Karnataka, he claimed that the Congress-led state government had repeatedly increased prices over the last few years and argued that such decisions should also be part of the public discussion.