Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Monday, 17 May sharply criticised the Indian National Congress in Bengaluru, asserting that while the broader public had grasped Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for economic prudence, the Opposition had chosen political point-scoring over national responsibility.

Kumaraswamy's Core Argument

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy defended Modi's appeal to citizens to refrain from purchasing gold for a year, framing it as a sincere, national-interest-driven advisory rather than a government directive. He argued that the Middle East crisis had placed additional pressure on oil-importing nations, and India — heavily dependent on imported crude — was no exception.

'In view of future uncertainties, the Prime Minister has appealed to citizens to avoid purchasing gold for a year. This suggestion has been made purely in the national interest so that the country does not face economic difficulties in future. It is not right for the Congress party to find fault with such a sincere appeal,' Kumaraswamy said.

He contended that ordinary citizens had largely accepted the advisory, and that Opposition parties alone were resisting it — a stance he described as 'truly ironic.'

Attack on Congress's Guarantee Schemes

Kumaraswamy escalated his criticism by questioning how the Karnataka Congress government was financing its five guarantee schemes, alleging that price rises were burdening the public. He called on Congress leaders to disclose which taxes had been imposed and which commodity prices raised to fund what he termed 'guarantees introduced for political gain.'

'Before criticising the government, Congress should introspect,' he said, adding that the party's challenge to the Prime Minister's concern for the country amounted to 'small-mindedness.'

Sadhana Samavesha Convention in Tumakuru

The Union Minister also took aim at the Congress government's proposed Sadhana Samavesha convention in Tumakuru, questioning what achievement warranted the event. He alleged that 713 police officers had been suspended over the past two years under the current state administration and challenged the party to justify the suspensions.

'What achievement are they showcasing through this convention? In the coming days, this very convention will contribute to the complete downfall of the Congress party in Karnataka,' he claimed.

Deve Gowda Turns 94: A Family Milestone

Earlier on Monday, Kumaraswamy visited former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, who turned 94, to convey birthday wishes and seek his blessings. He described the occasion as deeply personal, noting that party workers and admirers had marked the birthday 'on a grand scale.'

Addressing media speculation about whether Deve Gowda would continue as a Rajya Sabha member, Kumaraswamy said the veteran leader remained active both inside and outside Parliament despite his age. 'Even at this age, he is tirelessly working for the welfare of the people and raising his voice in Parliament for the interests of Karnataka,' he said, adding that even Prime Minister Modi held Deve Gowda in high regard.

Whether Deve Gowda's Rajya Sabha tenure continues remains an open question, but Kumaraswamy made clear that the family patriarch's political engagement shows no sign of slowing.