Vendetta politics is in Kumaraswamy’s DNA: Shivakumar

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Dismissing allegations of vendetta politics, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday said government officials were merely following court orders in the HD Kumaraswamy encroachment case. Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, he said, “Vendetta politics is in Kumaraswamy’s DNA. The officials have only implemented court orders. The case was filed by S R Hiremath. How is this vendetta politics? We did not lodge any complaint; it was Hiremath who filed it. He has also filed multiple cases against me. The government officials are doing their job as per court directives.

There is no vendetta here.” Shivakumar further said, “Kumaraswamy has made several remarks about me in Mysuru. His father, too, has spoken against me. They have filed cases against me, my wife, my sister, and my brother. We have remained silent because we were once in a coalition government with them. It would be in his best interest to stay silent.” ‘Is it wrong to do good for our people?’ Shivakumar alleged that Kumaraswamy pressured the Centre to prevent the renaming of Ramanagara district. “We don’t have to beg anyone in a constitutional setup. We have written to the Centre seeking details. Some ministers in Delhi have conspired against us, but we will not give up. We know how to rename and develop a district,” he asserted.

When asked about criticism that the renaming exercise is linked to real estate interests, he responded, “We only want the best for our people. The people of this district belong to Bengaluru. Is it wrong to want what’s good for them?” Regarding his recent meeting with the Congress high command, he said, “On the 100th anniversary of the Belagavi convention, we have decided to establish 100 Congress party offices across the state.

I met the high command to seek their time for the foundation-laying ceremony. We will lay the foundation stones for three party offices, including one on Race Course Road.” When asked about BJP State President Vijayendra’s criticism of his use of the term ‘chatri’ in Mandya, he said, “I can call people close to me whatever I want. It’s between them and me. There’s nothing more to it than personal banter.”

‘Committed to the party’s decision’: Responding to speculation about stepping down as State party chief, he said, “The party will decide. I have done my duty. No one is permanent here, including me. I would like to complete the construction of Congress offices during my tenure. Whether it happens in five years or ten, I am in no hurry. I will abide by the party’s decision.”

Reacting to BJP MLA Munirathna’s claim of a threat to his life, Shivakumar said, “I will speak to the Speaker and ensure he gets the necessary treatment.” When asked about reports of a 36-paise hike in electricity tariff, he said he was unaware of it and would discuss the matter with the Energy Minister.