Bengaluru, Jan 16 (NationPress) In a pointed reaction to remarks made by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, cast doubt on the Congress party's standing in Bihar and Maharashtra.

Kumaraswamy addressed media inquiries outside the JD(S) state office at J.P. Bhavan in Bengaluru on Friday.

He queried, "How many seats has the INDIA bloc secured in the Maharashtra local body elections? How many seats has the Congress won? The election results themselves highlight the consequences of unchecked arrogance."

In a direct address to the two leaders, he remarked, “You seem restless due to the JD(S)-BJP alliance. In the previous Lok Sabha elections, our collaboration allowed you to win 9 seats; some losses we faced were due to our own mistakes.

"Without our support, even being in power, your national party would have dwindled to 3 or 4 seats. Is the JD(S) fading away or is the Congress facing annihilation? Clarify this,” he challenged.

When responding to Deputy CM Shivakumar’s comment labeling him as verbose, Kumaraswamy stated, "Your aim is to accumulate wealth. My focus is on engaging with the public and earning their trust. That’s the key difference between us.”

On the topic of injustice towards his own community as claimed by Shivakumar, Kumaraswamy remarked, “I have seen that report. They discuss caste grievances. However, what actions have they taken for the community they represent? Their daily focus is solely on wealth accumulation.”

“Instead of seeking the populace's support, they are consistently engaged in exploiting the state. Will people rally behind such individuals in the name of caste?” he asked.

“I do not speak just for the sake of speaking. I share information about the illegal activities of such individuals. My aim is to strengthen my ties with the populace. What benefit do I gain from their internal disputes?” Kumaraswamy inquired.

Responding to Minister Priyank Kharge’s remarks regarding the JD(S) existence, Kumaraswamy countered, “Forget about our party. First, assess the level to which the so-called national party Congress has declined in Bihar and Maharashtra.”

“What authority does Priyank Kharge have to discuss the JD(S)? We do not require his endorsement. He should first inquire of his father how many ministers in the Congress have come from JD(S). How many ministers, starting from the Chief Minister, are originally from JD(S)? Do you have any idea?” Kumaraswamy criticized.

“Mr. Kharge, first stabilize your own party. Currently, within your party, one person claims their ‘lease period’ is over while another insists, ‘Make me the Chief Minister on lease.’ Meanwhile, another states, ‘My lease period isn’t over yet. I won’t step down.’ What is this, Mr. Kharge? Focus on your party’s situation before commenting on others,” he admonished Priyank Kharge.

“Mr. Priyank Kharge, rather than discussing such trivial matters, engage in discourse about development. Talk about the state of the constituencies represented by you and your father, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge,” he stated.

“Has the level of development witnessed in Mysuru, Kanakapura, and Ramanagara occurred in your constituency? Senior Kharge has held power for over 40 years. You’ve been a minister for the past 8-9 years. What have you accomplished? Provide a list, and let us evaluate,” he demanded.