Kumaraswamy Accuses Shivakumar of Rs 600-Crore Plot Against JD(S)

HD Kumaraswamy, a senior leader of the Janata Dal (Secular), levelled serious allegations against Congress politician DK Shivakumar on Tuesday, claiming involvement in a Rs 600-crore transaction designed to weaken the political position of his family. Kumaraswamy's statement targets the family of JD(S) founder and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, suggesting a coordinated effort to diminish their influence in state politics.

The accusation comes amid a period of heightened political rivalry between the JD(S) and Congress in Karnataka. While specific details of the alleged financial transaction remain unclear, Kumaraswamy's public assertion signals escalating confrontation between the two regional political players.

DK Shivakumar, who serves as a prominent Congress functionary in Karnataka, has not immediately responded to the allegations. The claims add to an already contentious political environment in the southern state, where both parties have competed for dominance in recent years.

The JD(S), a regional party with significant influence in Karnataka, has relied heavily on the Deve Gowda family's political legacy. Any threat to the family's standing would have implications for the party's overall positioning in state politics, particularly as the party seeks to maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive electoral landscape.

Photo: H.D. Kumaraswamy (left), then Chief Minister of Karnataka, calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, May 2018. Prime Minister's Office (India) via Wikimedia Commons (GODL-India).