Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has lashed out at former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Deve Gowda over his statement against him and deputy chief minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Siddaramaiah accused HD Deve Gowda of abandoning his secularistic standpoints, which he wore as a crown for decades. This, according to Siddaramaiah, had driven him to make such statements.
H.D. Deve Gowda had stated that the Congress party would see its end under Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar”s leadership. Siddaramaiah sarcastically wished Deve Gowda and his party a long life and good health.
Former Prime Minister Shri H.D. Deve Gowda has stated that Congress party will see its end under my and D.K. Shivakumar's leadership. Despite his curse, we wish him and his party long life and good health.
Regardless of political differences, elders should always bless the… pic.twitter.com/kJKh0YTxAI
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) January 6, 2024
Siddaramaiah also attributed H.D. Deve Gowda”s statement to his alliance with the BJP, which proclaims “‘Congress-free India”, which seems to have influenced Deve Gowda too. “No political party should wish for the end of another political party,” he added.
“I sincerely wish that the Janata Dal (Secular) does not come to an end. Blindly following the BJP may result in otherwise. Likewise, I hope Deve Gowda remains active in politics for a longer time. However, I wish that both JD(S) and their new ally BJP remain in the opposition permanently. Our Congress party will continuously strive to fulfill this wish.
” Siddaramaiah wrote on X.
Characterizing the Janata Dal (Secular) as BJP”s “B team,” Siddharamaiah asked JD (S) to clarify their ideological stance.
“This stance of JD(S) has prevented some secular voters from being misled by the secular facade of the party. It has turned the upcoming election into a direct confrontation between secular and communal forces. I am confident that the voters of Karnataka, who have a tradition of secularism and harmony, will make the right choice in the next elections,” he added.