Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday used the Davanagere South by-election campaign to question the continued importance of Deve Gowda’s family in politics, arguing that electoral results should carry more weight than pedigree.
He added that participation in public life is legitimate when it reflects people’s support, but added that continuing with family-based politics despite repeated electoral setbacks raises larger questions.
“JD(S) president HD Deve Gowda’s two sons, his two wives and four grandchildren are in politics. None of the people wanted Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s son to contest the by-election in Channapatna. They did not learn a lesson even after being rejected by voters,” he said.
Siddaramaiah pointed to the party’s previous electoral performance to corroborate his point, noting that it has not regained the level of success it enjoyed before. “In 2004, when I was president, JD(S) won 59 assembly constituencies in the state. Since then, JD(S) has never been able to win so many seats. In 2023, the party’s strength has dwindled to 19 seats. To save their existence, father and sons joined hands with BJP. They no longer have any moral right to criticize me,” he said.
Turning to the BJP, he questioned governance and individual roles within the party. “V Somana is the Minister of State for Railways. He has no opportunity to work independently. As far as I know, no files have reached him. Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, was earlier in the Congress and got opportunities. Now he has gone to the BJP to reap the benefits,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that the Congress will depend on welfare programs to attract voters in the bypolls. “Despite the numerous claims and false propaganda being spread by the BJP, people have expressed their appreciation for the five-guarantee schemes. We are demanding votes in the by-elections by keeping the ‘safeguards’ in the forefront. The BJP, which has ruled the state for nine years, has not achieved any progress. In what way are you demanding votes?” he said.
Responding to HD Kumaraswamy’s criticism on industrial development, Siddaramaiah dismissed the allegation by remarking: “One who cannot ride the horse given to him is neither a hero nor a warrior.”
He also referred to BZ Zamir Ahmed Khan’s campaign schedule, noting that the minister has engaged in election work outside the state and will also campaign in Bagalkot.
Khan, who had earlier stayed away from the Davanagere campaign, joined the efforts on Sunday after returning from Kerala, where he was supervising electoral work in multiple districts. He visited the Chamanoor family home and later spoke at a joint press conference with SS Mallikarjun.
Speaking about the existence of differences within the party, Khan said that there is no permanent dispute. “Mallikarjun might have said something like we don’t need Khan here to campaign for us in Davangere. He might have said it angrily or jokingly. I think it’s normal. I might say the same if he comes to my constituency, Chamarajpet. But I don’t take such things seriously. I have no ill will against him or his family. I will campaign for the Congress candidate seriously,” he said.
He said his previous absence was due to responsibilities in Kerala. “I was in charge of the campaign in 10 districts of Kerala. I came here on the instructions of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah,” he said.
Khan also addressed concerns raised by sections of the Muslim community over ticket allocation. “When I came to Davanagere a few months ago, the Muslim community demanded a ticket for the by-election. I promised that I would inform our high command about this. This created some confusion. Naturally, when I gave the ticket to Samarth, some people were upset. There are still four days left for voting. We will fix everything,” he said.
He added that he would reach out to leaders who felt excluded, including MLC Abdul-Jabbar, and try to include them in the campaign. Referring to previous election results, he said many candidates from the community received limited support, underscoring the need for inclusion.
SS Mallikarjun said that there was no confusion within the party and the campaign activities were going on as planned.
