Bengaluru: The political war of words between Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has intensified, with HDK firing a sharp counterclaim—
“If Deve Gowda had played the kind of politics others did, he would have become Chief Minister as early as 1977.”
The fresh remark has added yet another layer to the ongoing controversy over the political role and public endorsements of prominent Swamijis and Math heads within the Vokkaliga community.
DK Shivakumar Sparks Debate Over Swamiji Support
Responding to questions near his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar had earlier mocked Kumaraswamy, asking:
“Would Deve Gowda have become Chief Minister without the support of senior Swamijis of the Okkaliga Math? Didn’t Swamijis come to the streets in support of him? What’s wrong if Swamijis speak sometimes?”
Shivakumar listed multiple Swamijis—including those from Balehonnur and Srisailam Mutts—who, according to him, had spoken in his favour purely out of “affection and trust.”
“I never asked for support,” he said. “But when Swamijis speak with love, how can I say no?”
Also Read: “Would Deve Gowda Have Become CM Without Okkaliga Swamijis?” — DK Shivakumar’s Stinging Counter to Kumaraswamy
HD Kumaraswamy Retaliates: “Don’t Drag Swamijis Into Our Mistakes”
Hitting back in his trademark tone, Kumaraswamy countered sharply:
“If my father Deve Gowda had engaged in opportunistic politics like some others, he would have become Chief Minister in 1977 itself.”
He argued that Swamijis should not be dragged into political conflicts merely to justify political alliances or failures.
“Mistakes happen on our side. Why call Swamijis onto the streets for that?”
He reminded that Deve Gowda became CM in 1994 not because of any religious endorsement but because of statewide political support.
Also Read: “Let Politicians Do Politics, Religious Heads Must Avoid Taking Sides”: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy Targets Congress, Warns Against Caste Polarisation
2018 Coalition Government Sparks Another Flashpoint
Shivakumar’s claim that he worked hard to save the Congress–JD(S) coalition in 2018 drew another pointed reaction.
HDK shot back:
“I know very well who tried to cut my throat politically. God also knows. Don’t talk about loyalty.”
The exchange brought back memories of the turbulent collapse of the coalition government.
Two Vokkaliga Heavyweights, One Explosive Debate
The confrontation has now evolved into a full-blown political battle over:
- The role of mutts and Swamijis in Karnataka politics
- Vokkaliga community influence
- Historical claims on Deve Gowda’s political journey
- 2028 election positioning
Observers note that the clash is as much about community leadership as it is about political dominance in the Old Mysuru region.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: “ಸ್ವಾಮೀಜಿಗಳ ಬೆಂಬಲ ಇದ್ದಿದ್ದರೆ ದೇವೇಗೌಡರು 77ರಲ್ಲೇ ಸಿಎಂ!” — ಡಿಕೆಶಿ ಹೇಳಿಕೆಗೇ ಎಚ್ಡಿಕೆ ಕಿಡಿ
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