States » SouthPosted at: Oct 18 2026 10:01PM


Shivakumar takes dig at Kumaraswamy over party dissolution remark

Mysuru, Oct 18 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday took a swipe at union Minister HD Kumaraswamy over his earlier remark that he would dissolve his party if it failed to secure a majority, while seeking opposition support for an all-party delegation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the problems faced by sugarcane growers and the state's drought situation.
Speaking to reporters at Mysuru Airport, Shivakumar said he had sought an appointment with the Prime Minister to discuss the concerns of sugarcane farmers and the drought situation in Karnataka.
He said he would appeal to opposition leaders to join the proposed delegation, expressing confidence that they would honour their earlier commitment to participate.
"Opposition leaders had earlier said they would come, and I believe they will come now as well," he said.
Appealing to sugarcane growers to withdraw their ongoing protest, Shivakumar said the government was willing to discuss their concerns and find a solution through dialogue.
"I have spoken to the farmers regarding this issue, and I appeal to them once again through the media to call off the protest. Everyone must sit down and find a solution to the problem," he said.
The Chief Minister said farmers' livelihoods and public welfare should take precedence over political differences.
"There is no meaning in playing politics or speaking against anyone on this matter. Others may do so, but I will not. Having taken on the responsibility of the state's Chief Minister, I should not merely level accusations; I leave that to others," he said.
"Our objective is the well-being of the farmers and the public. The livelihood of farmers is what matters to us," he added.
Asked whether the state government should also contribute funds towards the support price for sugarcane, Shivakumar said the proposal could be discussed, stressing the need to consider the interests of all categories of farmers.
"Let us discuss this. There are all types of farmers in the state, and we must think about everyone," he said.
On the detention of a suspected terrorist in Kalaburagi, the Chief Minister said the police would be given complete freedom to gather information and conduct a thorough investigation.
"I will give complete independence to the police to gather information and conduct an investigation. We should not make political statements on such matters," he said.
Reacting to predictions by BJP and JD(S) leaders that a coalition government would come to power in Karnataka in 2028, Shivakumar responded sarcastically, saying, "May God bless them."
Taking a dig at Kumaraswamy, he asked whether the JD(S) leader had not earlier declared that he would dissolve his party if it failed to secure a majority.
Shivakumar alleged that the promised action had not followed and referred to earlier statements made about the BJP and the RSS, saying the political record was there for everyone to recall.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the people of Karnataka, particularly Mysuru residents, for their support for the ongoing Dasara celebrations.
He urged visitors from across the state to stay in Mysuru until night to enjoy the illumination and participate in the festivities.
The air show had faced difficulties due to rain, Shivakumar said, adding that the district administration had informed him that the event could take place on Monday if weather conditions were favourable.
"I also intend to witness it," he said.
Shivakumar further said the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Telangana were arriving. He added that the Andhra Pradesh government had also invited him, but he could not attend as he had to meet sugarcane farmers in Karnataka.
He said he had intended to visit Andhra Pradesh to discuss water-related issues but had to prioritise the concerns of sugarcane growers.
UNI BDN
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