Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy for his prediction regarding the Congress government's collapse in Karnataka. He referred to Kumaraswamy as "desperate" and suggested that Kumaraswamy had previously held the illusion of becoming Chief Minister. However, after the 2023 Assembly polls, Kumaraswamy has become "disillusioned," and because of this, he is making such statements.
'Kumaraswamy is desperate'
"Kumaraswamy is desperate because he was under the illusion that the coalition government will come to power (after 2023 assembly polls) and he will become the Chief Minister, now he is disillusioned," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question. Speaking to reporters here, he said, "So he has become desperate and is making such statements. Let him remain in that illusion."
'Congress government in Karnataka will not last long'
Kumaraswamy recently expressed his belief that the Congress government in Karnataka would not have a long tenure and might meet a similar fate as the coalition government, which was led by him and lasted only 14 months, ending in July 2019.
Previously, the JD(S) leader had raised doubts about the longevity of the Congress government under Siddaramaiah's leadership and had foreseen its early downfall.
Asked whether he will welcome state JD(S) President C M Ibrahim, who is upset with his party, back into Congress fold, Siddaramaiah, not wanting to give any direct response, said, " ...ask Ibrahim." Ibrahim has expressed his dissatisfaction over JDS’ alliance with the BJP, stating that he was not consulted, and that he would decide in the days to come on his future course of action. The former Union Minister had joined the JD(S) last year, after quitting the Congress and from MLC post.