"Won't speak on any of this now but will respond after...": Kumaraswamy over Congress' DK Suresh's remarks on Deve Gowda

Oct 29, 2024

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 29 : After Congress leader DK Suresh's remarks on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said that he will not respond to it right now but after the by-polls, he will address all these statements.
Speaking to the media after participating in the Prime Minister's 'Rozgar Mela' in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy stated that Congress leaders have been speaking in a derogatory manner about his family during the election campaign.
"They passed statements against HD Deve Gowda, who has been a Prime Minister, stating that he campaigns in a wheelchair and ambulance. They wish for his death. I won't speak on any of this now. I have noted all the statements. I will respond after the results are out," he said.
Congress leader DK Suresh, reportedly said that former PM Deve Gowda would arrive by ambulance to campaign for his grandson, Nikhil Kumaraswamy who is also contesting by-polls as NDA candidate on Channapatna seat.
The Union Minister also mentioned that he has faced numerous personal accusations.
"I cannot respond to any criticism. I will silently endure everything. The election is on the 13th of November, and the results will be announced on the 23rd. After that, I will address all these statements," he added.
"Do they think they are the only Vokkaligas? We are also Vokkaligas," he commented.
Further, Kumaraswamy sharply questioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's commitment on caste census and reservation issues.
In response to a question regarding the government forming a committee for internal reservations, the Union Minister stated that the state government would not provide any solutions to the people's problems.
"Organizations are demanding action, but under Siddaramaiah's leadership, this government won't implement anything. Reservation is one part. Yes, there's the Kantaraaju committee report. Siddaramaiah used to chant about the Kantaraaju report but did not accept it when I was in power. How many years has it been since he came to power? It's been one and a half years. Has he been just lighting lamps with incense sticks while keeping the reports aside?" Kumaraswamy remarked.
He further questioned why the reports had not been released, saying, "How long has it been since you accepted the Kantaraaju report and the report by Jayaprakash Hegde?"
"What are you doing with them? The people who provided these two reports are very significant thinkers, aren't they? Why haven't they been released yet? Siddaramaiah is making accusations against me, yet he is holding onto both reports. He keeps saying, 'We will bring it to the Cabinet,' while just going in circles. Discussions about sub-committees and commissions are ongoing. How long will you keep talking nonsense? The by-elections have been announced; you accepted the reports before the Lok Sabha elections, didn't you?" Kumaraswamy added.