DK Shivakumar Hits Out at Kumaraswamy, Defends Congress Guarantees Amid Fuel Price Rise Debate
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar launched a sharp political attack on JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy and the BJP while defending the Congress government’s guarantee schemes and welfare initiatives amid the ongoing fuel price hike debate.
Speaking at a public event, Shivakumar mocked Kumaraswamy’s recent statement asking people not to pay money for B-Khata to A-Khata conversion, claiming that a future JD(S)-BJP government would handle it later.
Responding to the remarks, Shivakumar said leaders who failed to act while in power cannot make promises after losing office.
Quoting philosopher Allama Prabhu, he said:
“A person who wishes to ride a horse after giving it away is neither brave nor heroic.”
He accused Kumaraswamy of making unrealistic promises despite lacking political strength, alleging that even JD(S) legislators failed to raise issues concerning poor people effectively inside the Assembly.
Congress Guarantees Changed Lives: DK Shivakumar
Shivakumar strongly defended the Congress government’s guarantee schemes, saying welfare measures are possible only when a government has power and commitment to serve people.
He said:
“We are bringing change in people’s lives through guarantees. Power is meaningful only when it helps improve the lives of ordinary citizens.”
Referring to his earlier election slogan, Shivakumar remarked:
“A lotus looks good in a lake, crops look good in fields, and helping hands look good only when they are in power.”
He claimed Karnataka has become a model state for welfare governance under Congress rule.
Questions PM Modi Over ‘Austerity Appeal’
The Deputy CM also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent public appeal urging citizens to reduce fuel consumption and adopt austerity measures amid rising global tensions and economic pressures.
Taking a dig at the Centre, Shivakumar said:
- People are being asked to reduce petrol usage
- Use Metro and buses instead of cars
- Reduce cooking oil consumption
- Avoid buying gold
He questioned why BJP leaders in Karnataka were silent on rising petrol and diesel prices.
Shivakumar pointed out that fuel prices had increased again and said:
“People deserve answers about inflation and rising living costs.”
Attacks BJP Over Economy and Inflation
The Congress leader also criticised the BJP-led Central government over the falling value of the rupee and increasing prices of essential commodities.
He questioned BJP state leaders and MPs, including R. Ashoka and B.Y. Vijayendra, asking why they were not speaking about fuel price hikes and economic hardships faced by common people.
Congress Will Return to Power Again: DK Shivakumar
Shivakumar expressed confidence that Congress would return to power in Karnataka again despite opposition alliances.
He said the Congress government had introduced transformative welfare schemes including:
- Shakti Scheme for women
- Free bus travel initiatives
- Land and housing reforms
- E-Khata and guarantee programmes
He also highlighted the procurement of 5,000 new buses under the state transport system to support women commuters.
Calling Congress a party with historical roots and commitment towards the poor, Shivakumar said public trust remained the biggest strength of the party.
He concluded by urging people to continue supporting Congress and said the party would continue working to improve the lives of ordinary citizens across Karnataka.
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