Ramanagara: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy visited Channapatna to thank the JDS and BJP party workers who stood by Nikhil Kumaraswamy in the by-elections. Addressing workers from both the parties and the media he said that “I swear, I will answer those who claim that JDS has been wiped out of Ramanagara. In the next election, JDS will win all four constituencies in the district. It is impossible to dislodge us from here. My political journey, as well as Nikhil’s, began in this region. In the upcoming elections, JDS will secure a lead of 25,000 votes in Channapatna,” pledged union minister.
Taking a dig at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Union Minister said, “He boasts of organizing AHINDA conventions, but what has he done for these communities in the past 17 months? Has he protected their dignity or ensured their welfare? Looting funds meant for their development is not an achievement.”
HD Kumaraswamy lashed out at the Congress government, questioning, “Who looted the funds of the Valmiki Corporation? Are they not looting funds meant for the Bovi community? Didn’t we witness corruption in the excise department in Mandya, where bribes of ₹20 lakh to ₹40 lakh were demanded? Is this what they call protecting dignity? Is this the self-respect Siddaramaiah promises in his speeches?”
He further accused Siddaramaiah of failing to deliver any significant contributions to marginalized communities despite being the Chief Minister twice. “What has Siddaramaiah done for these communities? Let him answer this in his speeches,” the Union Minister challenged.
“Why Issue Notices to Swamiji?”
Reacting to the controversy surrounding a notice issued to Chandrashekhar Swamiji, Kumaraswamy asked, “The people who insulted me with casteist remarks—what action have you taken against them? Not even a single case was filed. Instead, you target Swamiji with notices. This shows the degraded political environment in the state. The Swamiji himself has said, ‘Stop this appeasement politics.’ Perhaps Congress should heed this advice,” he added.
Criticizing the Congress for questioning former PM HD Deve Gowda’s contributions to Channapatna, Kumaraswamy said, “Who ensured electricity supply to Channapatna and Kanakapura? It was Deve Gowda who brought development to these regions. We fulfilled our duties towards this district while others merely talk. After 2008, what happened in 2013? And in 2018, people returned to us. Today, you boast of 136 seats, but let’s see where you stand after the next elections. I doubt Siddaramaiah has the decency to reflect on this,” HD Kumaraswamy stated sharply.
“Congress Leaders Are Haunted by Fear”
Taking another jab at Congress leaders, Kumaraswamy said, “Congress candidates continue their drama, but people will teach them a lesson in the general elections. Congress leaders are afraid of Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy. Without Deve Gowda’s voice, who will even listen to Congress? They talk about Deve Gowda resigning, but that is their desperation speaking,” he remarked.
“Congress Is No Match for JDS”
“Even if Congress leaders reincarnate ten times, they cannot weaken JDS. Today, our party has the strength to contest and win from two districts simultaneously. JDS is not just a regional party; it is a force,” said Kumaraswamy.
Addressing the criticism surrounding Nikhil’s candidacy, HDK said, “If Nikhil had been desperate for power, he could have contested from Mandya long ago. But he chose to focus on strengthening the party. This by-election was not part of our plan, but it became necessary. Still, we faced it with courage,” he explained.
“We Will Respond in the General Elections”
HD Kumaraswamy assured party workers that the recent defeat would not dent their resolve. “The people of Channapatna gave us over 87,000 votes. Our workers are determined, and we will respond to Congress in the general elections. While Nikhil focuses on building the party statewide, we will work towards winning all constituencies in the district,” he said.
He also announced plans to strengthen the party’s organization across the state. “Starting from Sankranti, we will launch statewide organizational activities under Nikhil’s leadership. This is just the beginning,” he declared.
“Healthcare in Karnataka Is in Shambles”
Criticizing the state government for the poor state of healthcare, HD Kumaraswamy said, “When the Lokayukta visited KC General Hospital, even he remarked it looked like a haunted house. Is this the state of our healthcare system? Four women in their post-pregnancy phase had succumbed in a span of a week at the Ballari Government District Hospital. Did any government official even visit them? This is a shameful state of affairs,” he said, targeting the Congress government.
“The Spirit of Ambedkar Lives On”
Concluding his speech, Kumaraswamy emphasized, “No one can silence the voice that Babasaheb Ambedkar gave to this country. We will fight to protect the dignity and rights of every individual, and JDS will continue to stand for the people, no matter what challenges come our way.”
