JD(S) Youth Leader Questions Siddaramaiah's Legacy as Karnataka CM
In a sharp critique of the current administration, JD(S) youth wing state president Nikhil Kumaraswamy declared on Wednesday that there is "no comparison" between the contributions of former Chief Minister D Devaraj Urs and the present Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, despite the latter's longer tenure in office.
Campaign Speech Highlights Governance Issues
Speaking at the ‘Janarondige Janata Dal' campaign event held in Periyapatna, Nikhil Kumaraswamy openly questioned Siddaramaiah's performance as the head of the state government. He pointedly remarked, "His biggest contribution is record borrowing of Rs 5 lakh crore in the name of the people." This statement underscores the JD(S) leader's focus on fiscal management and public accountability.
Nikhil further elaborated that Siddaramaiah, who enjoyed an absolute majority during both of his terms as Chief Minister, "failed to prove he was a visionary leader." In contrast, he praised the coalition government led by his father, HD Kumaraswamy, suggesting it had a more impactful legacy. "Even today, people of Karnataka remember my father's contributions, from village stays to loan waivers. Siddaramaiah has nothing to claim," he asserted, emphasizing the perceived lack of substantive achievements under the current CM.
JD(S) Defends Its Political Relevance and Future Ambitions
Addressing criticisms that regional parties are often short-lived, Nikhil Kumaraswamy defended the JD(S)'s enduring presence in Karnataka politics. "In Karnataka, JD(S) proved it wrong through its 25 years of existence," he stated, highlighting the party's resilience and long-term commitment to the state.
Looking ahead, Nikhil expressed confidence in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) returning to power in 2028. Despite his own electoral setbacks, he remained undeterred, saying, "I am not disheartened by my election losses. I will continue to fight." He also identified the upcoming 2026 urban and rural Local Body elections as a critical juncture for party workers, noting, "Party leaders will ensure activists' interests are protected. It is the first step to clinch power in Vidhana Soudha."
Event Highlights and Candidate Projections
At the campaign event, the JD(S) projected Prasanna Kumar, son of former MLA K Mahadev and a former chairman of MYMUL, as the party's candidate for Periyapatna. This move signals the party's strategy to strengthen its local representation and grassroots connections.
Adding to the political discourse, Hunsur MLA GD Harish Gowda predicted that HD Kumaraswamy would become Chief Minister again in 2028, reinforcing the party's ambitions for state leadership.
Addressing Local Concerns and Farmer Issues
Earlier in the day, Nikhil Kumaraswamy and his party colleagues visited local tobacco markets after receiving complaints from growers about falling prices. In response to their grievances, Nikhil assured the farmers that he would raise the issue with the Union commerce ministry, demonstrating the JD(S)'s focus on addressing economic challenges faced by rural communities.
This series of statements and actions from the JD(S) leadership not only critiques the current government but also outlines a clear path forward for the party, blending political criticism with proactive engagement on local issues.
