Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy hit back at Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge’s claims that opposition parties were attempting to destabilise the Karnataka government. Speaking at a public event, Nikhil emphasized that it is ultimately the people—not political manoeuvring—who have the authority to change governments.
“In a democracy, only the people have the power to destabilise or strengthen a government. Allegations of backdoor politics only reflect Congress’s insecurity,” Nikhil said.
His comments follow Kharge’s statement made during a rally in Karnataka, where the Congress leader alleged that opposition leaders, including some from the JD(S), were colluding with the BJP to create instability in the state government. Kharge also hinted at "hidden hands" trying to engineer defections.
Nikhil Kumaraswamy, who is the son of former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, dismissed the accusations as baseless. He accused the Congress party of attempting to create a diversion from key issues such as price rise, unemployment, and the worsening agrarian crisis in the state.
“Instead of addressing the struggles of farmers and youth, Congress leaders are busy making political accusations. This shows where their priorities lie,” Nikhil remarked.
The JD(S), once an ally of the Congress, has had a fluctuating relationship with both major national parties in Karnataka. After the 2023 Assembly elections, the JD(S) was left with fewer seats but continues to be a vocal player in the opposition space. Nikhil Kumaraswamy himself has been actively campaigning across constituencies to rebuild the party's grassroots base.
Responding to queries on whether his party was open to alliances ahead of the 2024 general elections, Nikhil said that the JD(S) would take decisions “based on the interests of Karnataka’s people, not political pressure.” He reiterated that his party’s focus remains on development, transparency, and safeguarding regional interests.
The war of words between the Congress and JD(S) has further heated the political climate in Karnataka, as parties prepare for Lok Sabha elections. While the Congress continues to project stability under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s leadership, opposition parties are looking to challenge the ruling party’s performance and governance track record.
Political observers believe that the growing tension between Kharge and Kumaraswamy signals deeper rifts that may influence future alliances and voter sentiments in Karnataka’s politically active landscape.
