Bengaluru, Jan 9 (NationPress) In a sharp response to Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, who suggested that the Janata Dal (Secular) party might merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and claimed superior experience, Union Minister for Large Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy declared that loot, extortion, and fencing scams do not characterize his political journey.

On Friday, via social media platform X, Kumaraswamy remarked, "D.K. Shivakumar, let us not dwell on merger concerns. Instead, let’s focus on the administrative experiences we both hold. I have served as Chief Minister twice, briefly led the Opposition, and am currently a Union Minister."

"You have also been an MLA for an extensive period and have held multiple ministerial roles, now serving as Deputy Chief Minister. It is not for us to evaluate our own experiences; that judgment lies with the public. I assure you that loot, extortion, fencing scams, square-foot calculations, commissions, fixing, and forcibly extracting money are not elements of my political experience, Mr. Shivakumar," he added.

"With the blessings of the people and grace from God, I have always endeavored to assist others within my capabilities. I openly concede that I may lack the so-called ‘vast experience’ you profess to possess. Land grabbing and encroachment appear to be your forte, along with the ability to infringe on another minister's portfolio—this is what I have pointed out," he asserted.

"While you hold the Deputy Chief Minister position, do remember that the authority and decorum associated with it are identical to that of a minister. There are no additional powers or privileges, nor can you fabricate them. Did this fundamental principle not resonate with you, Mr. Shivakumar, despite your claimed ‘experience’?” Kumaraswamy remarked.

“In Ballari, the responsibility of convening a meeting with police officials should have belonged to the Home Minister, as it is within his jurisdiction. Alternatively, the Chief Minister could host such a meeting. Your decision to conduct it constitutes a clear breach of protocol and authority. Would you label this as administrative expertise or merely seniority, patting yourself on the back?” he challenged.

“Did the Home Minister or Chief Minister authorize you to hold that meeting? They did not. Hence, I questioned whether the Home Minister is merely a figurehead or a mere rubber-stamp official. Did you manage to pass a special constitutional amendment that allows you to unlawfully encroach upon the role of a senior minister?” he further interrogated.

“You assert your vast experience and seniority. Why, then, was this straightforward matter beyond your comprehension, Mr. Shivakumar?” Kumaraswamy concluded.

On Thursday, Shivakumar remarked that there is a considerable possibility of the Janata Dal (Secular) merging with the BJP in the near future due to H.D. Kumaraswamy's political stance.

“Given Kumaraswamy’s position, it seems the JD(S) may soon join forces with the BJP. Should that occur, it would benefit us as we could confront the BJP head-on. The confusion of ‘three parties in contention but only two parties in consideration’ will be resolved,” Shivakumar stated.

In response to Kumaraswamy's criticism regarding alleged interference, Deputy CM Shivakumar claimed, “Mr. Kumaraswamy, I possess greater experience than you. I have superior administrative knowledge. Although I have not been the Chief Minister, I am aware of the right contacts, the necessary actions, and how to accomplish tasks. My extensive ministerial experience has equipped me with a solid understanding of administration. I don’t seek to learn from Kumaraswamy.”