“Enough of Your Courtesy”: Kumaraswamy Folds Hands, Mocks DK Shivakumar’s Bid to Seek Advice from Former CMs
Bengaluru, June 9: Karnataka politics witnessed another sharp exchange between Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, with the latter responding to Shivakumar’s outreach to former Chief Ministers with visible sarcasm, folded hands and a pointed remark that left little room for ambiguity.
After taking charge as Chief Minister, Shivakumar has begun a political outreach exercise by meeting former Chief Ministers across party lines and seeking their guidance on governance and development. He has already met senior Congress leader Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, former Chief Ministers B.S. Yediyurappa, D.V. Sadananda Gowda, and JD(S) patriarch H.D. Deve Gowda.
Speaking to reporters recently, Shivakumar said he would also like to meet Kumaraswamy if he gets an opportunity.
“I will seek time from Kumaraswamy and meet him if he permits. We must listen to the experiences and guidance of all those who have served the state. They deserve respect,” Shivakumar had said.
However, Kumaraswamy appeared unimpressed by the gesture.
Responding to media questions, the former Chief Minister launched a sarcastic attack, questioning what advice he could possibly offer Shivakumar.
“What advice should I give him? He keeps talking about building ‘monuments of evidence’. What exactly has he achieved so far that he needs my advice?” Kumaraswamy remarked.
The most striking moment came when Kumaraswamy folded both hands before reporters and, in a gesture loaded with political meaning, appeared to signal that he wanted no part of the discussion.
Observers described the gesture as a polite but unmistakable message: ‘Enough of this association.’
Quoting a Kannada proverb, Kumaraswamy added, “Ati Vinayam Dhoorta Lakshanam” — excessive humility can sometimes be a sign of hidden intent.
His remarks are being viewed as a direct swipe at Shivakumar’s recent efforts to project political inclusiveness and seek blessings from senior leaders across party lines.
Kumaraswamy’s criticism was not limited to Shivakumar alone. He also targeted the Congress over recent comments concerning former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and accused the party of suddenly displaying sympathy after decades of political hostility.
“For 70 years, everyone has seen how Deve Gowda was treated. Today they are showing sympathy for him. Their real intention is something else,” he said.
The JD(S) leader further alleged that Congress was uncomfortable with the BJP-JD(S) alliance and was attempting to create divisions within the partnership ahead of future elections.
With both leaders refusing to soften their positions, the latest exchange highlights that despite Shivakumar’s attempts at political outreach, the rivalry between him and Kumaraswamy remains as sharp as ever.
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