Bengaluru: Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy urged the people of Karnataka to give the Janata Dal (Secular) one full term in power, promising to “remove the eclipse” affecting the state and restore governance.
Addressing the Greater Bengaluru JDS convention, Kumaraswamy launched a strong attack on the Congress government, alleging widespread mismanagement and decline in development. “Give us just one opportunity. I will clean up the mess created by the Congress and free the state from its current condition,” he said.
Recalling his tenure as Chief Minister, he said he had never led a full majority government and had to function under coalition constraints. He appealed to the public to grant him a complete mandate to demonstrate effective governance.
Kumaraswamy accused the government of pushing Bengaluru into decline, stating that the city built by Kempegowda has been “ruined.” He called on citizens to teach those responsible a lesson and emphasised the need to restore the city’s past glory.
Highlighting contributions of H. D. Deve Gowda, he said the former Prime Minister laid the foundation for Bengaluru’s global recognition through infrastructure initiatives such as flyovers and IT sector growth. He added that during his own tenure, major steps like the launch of the Metro system contributed significantly to the city’s progress.
He stressed that JDS is not limited to farmers alone, though it continues to prioritise their welfare. He alleged that under the current government, development projects have turned into avenues for “loot,” and criticised the handling of civic issues like garbage management, questioning why scientific waste disposal systems have not been implemented.
Kumaraswamy said Bengaluru, once among the cleanest cities in the country during his tenure, is now grappling with visible garbage and deteriorating infrastructure. He also raised concerns over water scarcity in several localities amid rising temperatures, accusing the government of failing to plan for the city’s rapid expansion.
He underscored that Deve Gowda, during his tenure as Prime Minister, had ensured Cauvery water allocation to Bengaluru with a long-term vision, urging citizens not to forget such contributions.
Targeting the Congress government, he alleged that it protects influential individuals involved in illegal constructions while evicting the poor. He also accused the administration of failing to act against those encroaching on government land using forged documents.
On governance, Kumaraswamy said the current administration lacks capability and is focused on revenue collection rather than development. He questioned whether financial assistance schemes alone could address serious health issues faced by citizens.
He also criticised the state’s education system, alleging that it has deteriorated due to the non-implementation of the National Education Policy and failure to recruit teachers. He referred to youth protests over unemployment and demanded clarity on internal reservation issues.
Accusing the government of dividing communities and forming multiple commissions without outcomes, he questioned the status of key reports, including those linked to caste surveys.
On development projects, he alleged that the state government is obstructing initiatives such as the revival of Kudremukh operations and HMT factory, expressing frustration over delays and lack of cooperation.
Reaffirming his political stance, Kumaraswamy said JDS remains committed to its alliance with the NDA and that he has received opportunities to serve at the national level under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. He urged party workers to remain united and assured them of protection and leadership.
In a pointed remark, he also criticised a local MLA for political opportunism, asserting that JDS is not a party that can be “sold.” The event was attended by senior leaders including H. D. Deve Gowda, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, core committee chairman M. Krishnareddy, and several MLAs, former ministers, and party workers from across Bengaluru.
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