Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over posters that they say point to the land ownership of some of Kumaraswamy family members.
But Kumaraswamy accused political opponents of deliberately spreading misinformation with posters and publicity campaigns designed to discredit the image of his family. He also questioned the political standards being set by the state political leaders and expressed disappointment over what he said is the continuation of a culture of personal attacks.
Kumaraswamy said he expected such behaviour to end with the change of government. And referring to previous controversies, he said he thought things like spreading offending content and putting up misleading posters would stop once responsible leaders took power. However, he said, the practice is still going on.
Kumaraswamy asked: “What is the point of putting up such posters and publicizing them?” He spoke about posters that claimed that he and his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy owned 100 acres of land. And he denied that the figures circulated and made the claim that it was false and politically motivated.
The Union Minister added that he acquired about 46 acres of land about four decades ago through hard work and legitimate means. He challenged those behind the campaign to provide evidence for the claims being made in the posters.
"I bought 46 acres about 40 years ago through my own efforts. Beyond that, what exactly is there in my name?" Kumaraswamy said. He said the posters were intended to create confusion among the public and damage the reputation of his family.
He also defended his wife Anita Kumaraswamy, former MLA, on allegations about land purchases. Anita had legally purchased about 36 to 37 acres of land, and all transactions were done in accordance with the law, Kumaraswamy told ET Now.
Kumaraswamy also claimed false narratives were being constructed around land transactions by linking them to deceased people and disputed ownership claims. He claimed that political foes were orchestrating a propaganda campaign by sending supporters to put up posters and spread unverified information.
"People tend to believe what they see on posters. That is why such campaigns are dangerous," he said. He said that leaders in constitutional positions, especially the Chief Minister, must maintain a certain standard of political conduct and refrain from encouraging personal attacks.
Kumaraswamy had criticized the poster campaign and without naming anyone involved, said that it lacked political decorum. It should not be associated with the highest office of Karnataka and that the conduct of such campaigns could impact Karnataka's political culture.
The remarks come as the ruling Congress government and the JD(S)-BJP alliance are in tension. Land ownership accusations and counter allegations have become a political battle point in Karnataka as leaders from the two sides are throwing accusations over property holdings, transparency and governance.
Kumaraswamy concluded by calling for political leaders to concentrate on governance and development and not on character assassination campaigns. He said that public discourse should be based on information and accountability not politically motivated propaganda.
The latest controversy will further escalate the political tension between the Congress and JD(S), another chapter in Karnataka’s increasingly combustible political situation.
