Bengaluru: Hitting back strongly at Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar for suggesting that the Janata Dal (Secular) should merge with the BJP, Nikhil Kumaraswamy on Friday said Congress should “change its party board first” before offering advice to others.
Addressing a media interaction organised by the Press Club of Bengaluru, Nikhil Kumaraswamy asserted that the JDS–BJP alliance under the NDA banner will win more than 150 Assembly seats in the 2028 Karnataka elections.
‘What Is Congress’ Level Nationally?’
Responding directly to Shivakumar’s remarks, Nikhil questioned the Congress party’s electoral standing outside Karnataka.
“Leave our party aside. Where does Congress stand today in Bihar, Delhi and Maharashtra? How many seats has it won? What is its vote share?” he asked.
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He pointed out that JDS won 19 seats in the last Karnataka Assembly election, and added that Congress should first introspect about its own performance in several states before questioning regional parties.
“If Congress still wants to call itself a national party, it should first decide whether to keep or remove that tag,” he remarked sharply.
2028 Assembly Elections: NDA Confident
Nikhil Kumaraswamy said the JDS–BJP alliance is a natural alliance rooted in cadre-level understanding and mutual trust, and claimed that its strength was already evident in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
He highlighted that JDS enjoys a 37% vote share in the Old Mysuru region, and has a strong presence in Kalyana Karnataka, Kittur Karnataka, and parts of the coastal belt.
“In constituencies like Savadatti, Sedam, Rayabag and Sringeri, we have secured significant votes. Over 55 lakh voters supported JDS in the last Assembly election,” he said.
Local Body Polls: Seniors Will Decide
On whether JDS would contest local body elections independently, Nikhil said the matter is under discussion.
“Every party must build its own grassroots strength. Local and national politics are different. Senior leaders will take the final call on local body elections,” he clarified.
‘Three Parties for Play, Two for Counting’ Remark
Reacting to Shivakumar’s comment that Karnataka politics has “three parties for play but only two for counting,” Nikhil said such remarks trivialise democratic competition.
“Who benefits from such statements? I believe Shivakumar understands JDS’ strength. There is no need to speak lightly,” he said.
Will Contest 2028 Polls
Asked if he would contest the next Assembly elections, Nikhil responded, “I entered politics to reach Vidhana Soudha. I will contest. The constituency will be announced at the right time.”
Ballari Row and Law & Order
On the Ballari violence, Nikhil criticised the state government, questioning whether hate-speech laws apply selectively.
“If a legislator makes provocative statements, does it not fall under the hate-speech law passed by this government?” he asked, also questioning the legality of ₹25 lakh compensation announcements without due legal process.
Bengaluru Infrastructure Criticism
Nikhil also targeted the government over Bengaluru’s infrastructure woes.
“Today, money is fixed per square foot, but people don’t know where the road ends and the footpath begins. Basic infrastructure is weak, and that’s why big companies are shifting to other states,” he alleged.
Statewide Tour From February 1
Announcing his future plans, Nikhil said he will launch the second phase of the ‘Janata Dal With the People’ statewide tour from February 1, aimed at energising party workers across districts.
MLC T. A. Sharavana, Press Club president Sridhar, vice-president Mohan, general secretary Shivakumar Bellithatte, and Yasin Nasir were among those present.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಜೊತೆ ವಿಲೀನ ಹೇಳಿಕೆಗೆ ನಿಖಿಲ್ ಕುಮಾರಸ್ವಾಮಿ ತಿರುಗೇಟು; 2028ರಲ್ಲಿ NDA 150ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಗೆಲುವು
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಬಿಜೆಪಿ–ಜೆಡಿಎಸ್ ವಿಲೀನ ಸಾಧ್ಯತೆ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಡಿಸಿಎಂ ಡಿ.ಕೆ. ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್ ಸೂಚನೆ
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