Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy criticized Congress leaders for their comments on the denial of a Rajya Sabha nomination to former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. Kumaraswamy specifically targeted AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, calling him a “wasooliwala” and accusing him of political hypocrisy.
He alleged that Surjewala has turned Karnataka into an ATM through extortion and should focus on resolving internal conflicts within his own party instead of speaking about Deve Gowda. Kumaraswamy also accused Congress of backstabbing him in 2019 by toppling the coalition government despite forming an alliance earlier.
Kumaraswamy defended Deve Gowda as a significant national leader and criticized Congress for politicizing his name for electoral gains. He urged Congress leaders to address their party’s internal issues rather than targeting Deve Gowda and JD(S). These statements come amidst ongoing political discussions regarding Rajya Sabha nominations and alliance dynamics in Karnataka.
Karnataka State Congress President B.K. Hariprasad condemned the BJP’s reported decision to deny a Rajya Sabha ticket to Deve Gowda, labeling it as a betrayal to the people of the state. Hariprasad emphasized that this action not only insults Deve Gowda and JD(S) but the entire state, hinting at potential political repercussions in response.
Randeep Singh Surjewala criticized the BJP and JD(S) leadership for denying Deve Gowda a Rajya Sabha nomination, describing the move as politically surprising and revealing. The BJP has nominated Prof. M. Nagaraj, known for his extensive academic and administrative experience, for the Rajya Sabha election.
