New Delhi, Jan 9: The political sparring between Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar escalated on Friday, with Kumaraswamy accusing Shivakumar of encroaching upon the Home Department portfolio, which is officially handled by State Home Minister G. Parameshwara.
Reacting to Shivakumar’s recent remarks, Kumaraswamy, speaking to the media in New Delhi, strongly criticised the Deputy Chief Minister for allegedly violating administrative protocol by convening a meeting of police officers in Ballari. He said such a meeting should have been chaired either by the Home Minister or the Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah.
“You may be the Deputy Chief Minister, but that position carries the same authority and protocol as a Cabinet Minister. There are no additional powers attached to the post,” Kumaraswamy remarked, questioning Shivakumar’s understanding of administrative norms despite his long political career.
Taking a swipe at Shivakumar’s comments on political experience, Kumaraswamy said he has served as Chief Minister twice, Leader of the Opposition and is currently a Union Minister, and that the public is best placed to judge political experience. He also made sharp personal remarks, accusing Shivakumar of land encroachment and administrative overreach, while stating that such actions were not part of his own political experience.
Kumaraswamy further questioned whether Shivakumar had been authorised by either the Chief Minister or the Home Minister to hold the police meeting, alleging that bypassing senior ministers amounted to misuse of authority.
The exchange followed Shivakumar’s statement on Thursday suggesting that the Janata Dal (Secular), led by Kumaraswamy, may soon merge with the BJP. Shivakumar said such a merger would simplify political equations in the state and allow a direct contest between the Congress and the BJP.
Responding earlier to Kumaraswamy’s criticism, Shivakumar asserted that he possessed greater administrative experience, stating that despite never being Chief Minister, he understands governance and does not require lessons from Kumaraswamy.
The sharp exchange underscores growing political tensions between the two leaders amid shifting alliances and administrative disputes in Karnataka.
