JD(S) patriarch H.D. Deve Gowda didn't hold back in his criticism of the Congress-led government in Karnataka, accusing them of utilizing state funds to support the party during recent assembly elections in five states. His focus landed squarely on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
The former prime minister criticized Siddaramaiah, claiming that he couldn't prevent money from Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, flowing to the Congress in the five states' elections.
Last year, JD(S) aligned with the BJP-led NDA after H.D. Kumaraswamy's meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national President J.P. Nadda in New Delhi. Both parties declared their collaboration for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka.
Reflecting on the Karnataka assembly elections last year, where JD(S) secured only 19 seats while Congress won 135 and BJP claimed 66, Deve Gowda pointedly mentioned Shivakumar's position as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President. He criticized the revealed movement of funds and the locations Shivakumar visited during that time.
At a press conference, Deve Gowda openly questioned the source of funds and criticized the use of Karnataka's public money for external purposes during the five-state elections. He expressed disappointment with the situation in Bengaluru, pointing fingers at Shivakumar's control over local agencies and the irrigation portfolio.
Deve Gowda's comments included doubt over Siddaramaiah's ability to curb corruption despite his claims of providing a clean government and standing up for the marginalized communities. He openly challenged why such malpractices weren't halted despite Siddaramaiah's proclaimed dedication to the welfare of minorities, backward classes, and Dalits, particularly when funds were being diverted from Bengaluru.
The JD(S) patriarch's critique highlighted concerns about the misuse of public funds and raised questions about the administration's effectiveness in curbing such practices.
(With Agency Inputs)
ALSO READ | Modi Criticizes Left and Congress in Kerala, Describing Them as 'One'
