Karnataka: Kumaraswamy to Head Protest Against Congress Government on April 12

Synopsis
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy will lead a protest in Bengaluru against the Congress government on April 12. JD (S) Youth Wing President Nikhil Kumaraswamy stated that citizens can join the protest, emphasizing public concerns over price hikes and government failures.
Key Takeaways
- Kumaraswamy to lead protest on April 12.
- Public invited to join the protest.
- Campaign titled 'Saakappa Saaku Congress Government' launched.
- Allegations of financial crisis and corruption against Congress.
- Protest to continue indefinitely.
Bengaluru, April 9 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy is set to spearhead a significant protest in Bengaluru against the Congress-led government in Karnataka on April 12, as announced by the JD (S) Youth Wing State President Nikhil Kumaraswamy on Wednesday.
Nikhil, the son of Union Minister Kumaraswamy, stated at a press conference held at the JD (S) party office in Bengaluru, “A massive protest will take place at Freedom Park on Saturday under the leadership of Union Minister Kumaraswamy. He will actively participate in the protest, and this movement will persistently be championed by JD (S).”
“For the last two years, the Congress government has consistently increased prices in various forms, leading to widespread hardship among the people. This has sparked extensive discussions throughout the state. JD (S) is voicing the concerns of every Kannadiga,” Nikhil remarked.
He also launched a campaign called ‘Saakappa Saaku Congress Government’ (Enough is enough of the Congress Government).
He emphasized that not only party affiliates but any resident of the state can register on the website and join the protest.
Nikhil asserted that since the Congress government assumed power, it has continuously imposed price hikes on the public.
He accused the government of plunging the state into a financial crisis, creating a state of economic emergency.
"The Congress government has driven the people into profound distress and is continually exploiting them. Citizens are losing patience. How much longer should they endure this? This is why we initiated the ‘Saakappa Saaku Congress Government’ campaign," Nikhil stated.
He further mentioned that the campaign commenced on Wednesday under the leadership of Kumaraswamy, adding, “All 7.5 crore citizens of Karnataka are declaring Enough is Enough.”
Nikhil expressed gratitude to Congress MLA and CM’s Economic Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy, noting, “Even the CM’s economic advisor has acknowledged that Karnataka ranks first in corruption. When those from the ruling party publicly speak about corruption, it highlights the government’s inadequacies. Rayareddy has previously questioned how the guarantee schemes have impacted development. Our protest will be unwavering.”
JD (S) had previously protested at Freedom Park concerning the guarantee schemes, demanding a definitive timeline for fund allocations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to empower farmers with funds every three months and has delivered on this promise. However, he criticized that the Congress has failed to provide funds for its guarantees.
Nikhil pointed out that funds for guarantees were only released during by-elections or Lok Sabha elections, and even then, only for three constituencies. “One of the Congress MLAs even threatened to revoke guarantees if people didn’t support the Congress party. This protest isn’t confined to price hikes or a week-long campaign. It will be ongoing,” Nikhil declared.
“We do not oppose the idea of guarantees. However, the government is unable to provide funds monthly. Even Congress MLAs are expressing their dissatisfaction. Basic infrastructure remains lacking. There has been no development. This government has not contributed even a single rupee,” he added.
“The BJP and JD (S) alliance was established based on decisions made by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda during the Lok Sabha elections, motivated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives and in the interest of the nation. The populace has embraced this alliance. There are no rifts or grievances between BJP and JD(S),” he stated.
“Deve Gowda has significantly contributed to farmers and all regions. Our vote share has been increasing with each election, and our workers persist in supporting the party despite challenges. The drop in MLAs to 19 seats was due to several factors. There is no question of merging JD (S) with the BJP. Thousands of dedicated workers have built and upheld this party. This is a strategic alliance for the benefit of the state and the nation, not a merger,” he clarified.
Former minister Venkatarav Naadagowda, MP Mallesh Babu, JD (S) Legislative Party leader Suresh Babu, MLA Swaroop Prakash, and former MLC K.A. Tippeswamy were present at the event.