Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday suggested he may quit active politics following the collapse of the coalition government which he led until recently. Son of former Prime Minister and JD(S) patriarch HD Deve Gowda, Kumaraswamy made the comments stating the nature of “today’s politics”.
“I’m thinking of going away from politics. I came to politics accidentally. I became CM accidentally. God gave me opportunity to become CM twice. I wasn’t there to satisfy anyone. In 14 months, I did good work towards state’s development. I’m satisfied,” he said. Kumaraswamy had first become CM in 2006 for 20 months with the support of BJP. This time he was the CM for 14 months with the support of Congress.
He added, “I'm observing where today's politics is going. It's not for good people, it's about caste infatuation. Don't bring in my family. I'm done. Let me live in peace. I don't have to continue in politics. I did good when I was in power. I want space in people's heart.”
The former CM made this comment when he was asked by reporters if his son NIkhil Kumaraswamy will contest from KR Pet constituency in Mandya which had felt vacant following the disqualification of rebel JD(S) MLA Narayan Gowda.
Rubbishing the speculation, Kumaraswamy said, “There is no truth in these reports. When Nikhil was nominated as the party candidate from Mandya, vested interests plotted to ensure his defeat. A conspiracy is afoot once again.”
His son Nikhil had faced a humiliating defeat during the Lok Sabha Elections in Mandya, known to be a JD(S) stronghold at the hands of Sumalatha Ambareesh, wife of late film star and Congress leader Ambareesh.
The JD(S) which had joined hands with Congress post-2018 Assembly polls and had fought the Lok Sabha Elections together was reduced to just one seat. Even HD Deve Gowda had to eat humble pie after losing in Tumakuru. The only JD(S) representative in the Lok Sabha now is Prajwal Revanna who won from Hassan, the seat long held by Deve Gowda.a