Former Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has made a significant revelation about his decision to step down from the Congress-JD(S) coalition government, stating he had made a prior commitment to the state's farmers which he chose to honour.
The Pledge to Farmers
In a candid statement, Kumaraswamy disclosed that his exit from the previous administration was a deliberate act to fulfil a promise. "I knew what the situation was. I had given my word to the farmers. I fulfilled it and came out," he asserted. This comment sheds new light on the political dynamics that led to the collapse of the coalition government, positioning his departure as a matter of principle linked to agricultural welfare.
Reflecting on the 'Accidental' BJP Alliance
Kumaraswamy also revisited his earlier political partnership with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He described the formation of that alliance as somewhat unplanned, remarking, "I accidentally formed an alliance with the BJP." Despite its unexpected origin, he praised the governance delivered during their joint tenure from 2006 to 2007, calling it "historical." This period marked his first term as Chief Minister of Karnataka.
A Strategic Early Exit
The JD(S) leader further elaborated on his political strategy, noting that his second stint as chief minister was cut short by his own design. "Later, I became (chief minister) for a second time. I wanted to exit early and came out," he explained. This points to a calculated move rather than a forced resignation, emphasising his agency in the complex chessboard of Karnataka politics. His reflections offer a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes considerations that drive high-stakes political decisions.
Kumaraswamy's statements, made on December 25, 2025, provide a fresh narrative on two pivotal chapters in the state's recent political history. They highlight the often-overlooked personal pledges that influence the fate of governments and reaffirm his view of his first coalition with the BJP as a notably effective period of administration.