HD Kumaraswamy Declares Political War on Congress Government, Targets DK Shivakumar
Former CM accuses DyCM of iron ore loot, BBMP tender scam, and vendetta politics, Ghazni, Ghori, Kafur? Kumaraswamy’s Blistering Tirade Shakes Karnataka Politics
BNH NETWORK
Bengaluru - Union Minister and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy unleashed a blistering political attack on the Congress government on Wednesday, accusing Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of corruption, iron ore loot, and manipulation of civic contracts in Bengaluru. Declaring a “war” on the state government, Kumaraswamy vowed to launch statewide protests and public movements against what he called “rampant looting and political vendetta.”
Addressing a fiery press conference in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy warned the Congress leadership to not test his patience. “Don’t provoke me casually. I have tonnes of documents. I’m not firing in the air—I’m stating facts,” he said, referring to corruption he alleges occurred during Shivakumar’s tenure as Urban Development Minister in the early 2000s.
Iron Ore Loot Allegation: A ₹Cr Scandal from Ballari
The JD(S) leader claimed that thousands of tonnes of iron-rich red soil were illegally extracted and transported from Ballari under the pretense of road construction. “Where did that ore go? What was done with it? I have documentary proof of how he [Shivakumar] misused his powers, including letters he wrote to officials,” he asserted.
Calling Shivakumar the “kingpin” of several scams, Kumaraswamy claimed that the DyCM operated business under seven different company names. “All these companies wrote letters seeking tenders or contracts. I will soon release the documents,” he promised.
BBMP Garbage Tender Scam: HDK Claims to Have Blocked ₹15,000 Crore Loot
Kumaraswamy further alleged that the Congress government attempted to hand over a garbage collection contract in Bengaluru to a Chennai-based company at an inflated rate of ₹6,500 per tonne. “Their goal was to earn at least ₹15,000 crore in commissions over 30 years,” he said. “After I exposed it, the amount was reduced to ₹3,000 per tonne.”
Clarifying that his objection was not to garbage collection itself, but to “garbage loot,” Kumaraswamy said, “Yes, I blocked the tender. Not because I oppose waste management, but because I oppose looting public money.”
“I Have Taken the Tender to Clean Your Garbage”
Drawing a sharp metaphor, Kumaraswamy said, “This Congress government has created a mess through illegalities and injustices. I have taken the tender to clean their garbage, and protect the people. That will be their farewell song.”
He went on to accuse the Congress leadership of acting like foreign invaders. “The third floor of Vidhana Soudha is being run by Ghazni Mohammad, Ghori Mohammad, and Malik Kafur,” he said. “Even they didn’t loot like this government is looting.”
Personal Land Row: “I’m the Son of a PM – Do I Need 4 Acres?”
Hitting back at allegations of land encroachment in Bidadi, Kumaraswamy clarified that his purchase was legal and longstanding. “I bought that land 40 years ago. These officials came with 30 cops to measure it, claiming I encroached four acres. I’m the son of a former Prime Minister and a two-time CM. Do I need four acres?”
He challenged those making accusations to release official records. “Let them show any illegal land holding. I have 40–42 acres, all purchased legally.”
Demand for White Paper on Contract Reservations
Kumaraswamy demanded that the Congress government release a white paper on the economic benefit given through contract-based reservations. “Why give 4% contract reservations to Muslims if you already have CRADLE and Nirmithi Kendras? Are you fooling the people or genuinely trying to uplift minorities?” he asked.
He also urged BJP allies to scrutinize the technical loopholes in the Congress proposals.
JD(S) Protest Plans Across All 198 Bengaluru Wards
The JD(S) chief announced that the party will organize public movements across all 198 wards in Bengaluru to expose the “exploitation and calamities” faced by residents under the Congress regime. “We will print pamphlets in Kannada, English, and other languages. Every Bengalurean must know how their city is being looted,” he said.
No Rift in BJP-JD(S) Alliance
On questions of alliance dynamics, Kumaraswamy reaffirmed confidence in BJP-JD(S) coordination. “There are no issues. Our discussions are ongoing. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation is progressing. Our alliance remains strong,” he said.
Among those present at the press conference were JD(S) leaders including Alkoda Hanumantappa, Nemiraj Naik, Bojegowda, Javaraya Gowda, Ramesh Gowda, Rashmi Ramegowda, Chowdareddy Toopalli, and Shailaja Rao.
Kumaraswamy’s remarks are likely to deepen the political divide in Karnataka ahead of local body polls and set the stage for a fiery political summer in the state.
FACT FILE: KEY ALLEGATIONS & ASSERTIONS BY HD KUMARASWAMY
| Allegation/Statement | Details |
|---|---|
| Iron Ore Loot | DK Shivakumar accused of stealing tonnes of high-grade iron ore under the guise of red soil transport during 2003-04. |
| BBMP Garbage Tender Scam | Alleged attempt to float ₹6,500/tonne contract for 30 years; HDK claims he blocked it to prevent ₹15,000 crore scam. |
| Land Encroachment Denial | HDK says he legally owns 40–42 acres in Bidadi; calls encroachment charge politically motivated. |
| Historical References | Accuses government of functioning like invaders Ghazni, Ghori, and Malik Kafur. |
| JD(S) Protests | Announces ward-level public movements across all 198 Bengaluru wards against civic exploitation. |
| On Contracts for Minorities | Opposes 4% reservation in contracts without clarity; demands white paper from state government. |
| Coordination with BJP | Asserts strong JD(S)-BJP ties; praises PM Modi’s national leadership. |
