K’taka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Slams BJP Over Corruption Allegations

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday dismissed corruption allegations made by the BJP against the Congress-led state government, calling them “bogus” and accusing the BJP of making these claims in response to the Congress uncovering alleged corruption by the previous BJP administration.

Shivakumar stated, “There is nothing like that. It is all bogus. We are exposing their corruption, and that’s why they are speaking out against us.” His remarks came amidst ongoing tensions between the Congress and BJP over corruption issues.

Earlier, on August 9, Shivakumar had claimed that Union Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy faced numerous de-notification cases, asserting that he would reveal Kumaraswamy’s alleged corruption. At a Janandolana event in Mysuru, Shivakumar criticized Kumaraswamy, stating, “Kumaraswamy claims to be ‘Clean Swamy,’ but officials have informed me about 50 cases of de-notification against him.”

Shivakumar also accused Kumaraswamy of seeking refuge in the BJP due to these allegations and criticized him for his leadership in the JD(S). He claimed, “Kumaraswamy did not even spare his own brother’s son for his son’s political future. He is unable to accept that an OBC leader is serving as Chief Minister for the second term.”

Further addressing the BJP’s attempts to destabilize state governments, Shivakumar said, “The BJP has tried to destabilize many governments through Operation Lotus. The British could not destabilize Congress for 200 years; how can the BJP succeed today? Congress will rule Karnataka for 10 years.”

Shivakumar also responded to claims of irregularities in the MUDA case, where it was alleged that the Chief Minister’s wife received compensation for land lost due to encroachment by MUDA. He rejected these claims, saying, “There is no irregularity. BJP and JD(S) are trying to fabricate a scam in MUDA.”

Concluding his remarks, Shivakumar highlighted the Congress party’s success in the 2023 state assembly elections and predicted a continued tenure, stating, “In 2023, we secured 43 percent of the vote, and 45 percent in 2024. If Kumaraswamy believes he can destabilize the government, he is mistaken. Congress will not only last for 10 months but for another 10 years.”