Congress’ false sympathy for Gowda aimed at creating rift in NDA, says Kumaraswamy

Bengaluru: Union minister HD Kumaraswamy revealed former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda “never applied” for a ticket to contest Rajya Sabha polls and that Congress was trying to create a rift in the JD(S)-BJP alliance with what he called “false sympathy” for the JD(S) patriarch.

Kumaraswamy, state president of the regional outfit, told reporters in Mandya that Congress was using Gowda’s name for political purposes.

“They have suddenly developed immense sympathy for Gowda,” Kumaraswamy said. “Their efforts to create divisions in the NDA alliance will fail.” He said Congress was using Gowda as a “political tool” to divert attention from its own failures and internal issues.

Praising Gowda, Kumaraswamy said he built his political career through toil and struggle and never pursued positions of authority for personal gain. “When his self-respect was hurt, he even gave up the PM post. Doesn’t Congress know history?” he asked.

Referring to Gowda’s unopposed election to the Rajya Sabha in 2020, he rejected claims that it was made possible due to Congress support. He said, at the time, no party had the sufficient strength to independently elect a candidate, while JD(S) had the required numbers to ensure Gowda’s victory.

BJP state president BY Vijayendra also alleged Congress was shedding “crocodile tears” for Gowda and that it had “no moral right” to be concerned for him.

Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy dismissed reports that chief minister DK Shivakumar had hoped to meet him and seek his advice, saying he had nothing to offer. “What advice can I give? Shivakumar himself questioned what Kumaraswamy achieved during his two terms as CM. If I achieved nothing, why would he seek my advice?” he asked.

On the JD(S) decision to field a candidate in the legislative council elections, Kumaraswamy said the party needed only two more votes to secure victory.

“We will seek support wherever possible, including from expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal. Congress has the advantage of both money power and govt power. We will see how the election unfolds,” he said.