Mysuru, April 10 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy has launched a fierce critique against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, demanding answers to a range of questions and challenges before he disparages others.

Addressing the media in Mysuru prior to a District Development Coordination and Monitoring (DISHA) committee meeting, Kumaraswamy questioned Siddaramaiah's comments on family politics.

He queried whether the Chief Minister, who has involved his own son in political affairs, possesses the moral authority to speak out against what he terms family-based politics.

"If you assert your role as a leader of AHINDA, break away from Congress and establish your own party, securing at least five seats," Kumaraswamy challenged.

He insisted that Siddaramaiah refrain from discussing family politics, alleging he lacks the moral standing and credibility to do so.

In light of criticisms aimed at the Janata Dal (Secular), Kumaraswamy labeled those comments as hypocritical and accused Siddaramaiah of double standards.

Kumaraswamy maintained that during his own time as Chief Minister, he did not assign any political role to his son, nor did he engage him in political activities for personal advantage. Conversely, he accused Siddaramaiah of entering his second son into politics following the death of his first son, questioning the Chief Minister's intentions.

Further, Kumaraswamy took aim at Siddaramaiah's repeated claims regarding the Janata Dal's past victory of 58 seats, asserting that credit for that success should primarily be attributed to himself and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, rather than to Siddaramaiah alone.

Reflecting on the 1999 elections, he recalled that many leaders, including Siddaramaiah, faced defeats, suggesting that Siddaramaiah had emotionally faltered during that time. He recounted how Deve Gowda had encouraged him to maintain hope and rebuild the party.

Kumaraswamy accused Siddaramaiah of abandoning the party in the past by creating AHINDA, which he claimed weakened the Janata Dal.

He also pointed out Siddaramaiah’s loss in the Chamundeshwari constituency, suggesting he should engage in self-reflection before criticizing others.

Reiterating his challenge, Kumaraswamy asserted that Siddaramaiah lacks the capability to create a party and secure success independently, accusing him of aligning with an established party and using political power to overshadow long-standing leaders.

Criticizing the Congress party, Kumaraswamy remarked that while it denounces the Janata Dal (Secular) in Karnataka, it seeks alliances in other states. He cited Tamil Nadu, asserting that the Congress relies on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for seats and struggles to field candidates. He also mentioned Bihar, contending that the party has had trouble even winning a handful of seats.

He added that Siddaramaiah's ascension to Chief Minister has resulted in discontent among his own party members, with numerous leaders reportedly dissatisfied.

When asked if Siddaramaiah would complete his full term as Chief Minister, Kumaraswamy stated that Siddaramaiah himself claims he will, while also referring to the party high command's influence. He suggested that Siddaramaiah is unlikely to resign under any circumstances.

Kumaraswamy concluded by emphasizing that while everyone has the right to aspire to become Chief Minister, such ambitions should not stem from selfish motives. He insisted that merely voicing ambitions is insufficient for their realization.