Mysuru: Nikhil Kumaraswamy, state president of the JD(S) youth wing, on Wednesday said there is “no comparison” between the contributions of former Chief Minister D Devaraj Urs and incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, even though the latter has administered the state for a longer period.
Speaking at the ‘Janarondige Janata Dal’ campaign in Periyapatna, he questioned Siddaramaiah’s performance and accused his government of record borrowing. “His biggest contribution is record borrowing of Rs 5 lakh crore in the name of the people,” Nikhil alleged.
Criticism of governance and borrowing
Nikhil claimed that Siddaramaiah enjoyed an absolute majority in both his terms as Chief Minister but “failed to prove he was a visionary leader.” He contrasted this with the coalition government led by his father, H D Kumaraswamy, stating that people continue to remember initiatives such as village stays and farm loan waivers.
“Even today, people of Karnataka remember my father’s contribution, from village stay to loan waiver. Siddaramaiah has nothing to claim,” he said.
He further stated that regional parties are often dismissed as short-lived, but asserted that the Janata Dal (Secular) had disproved that notion through its 25 years of political presence in Karnataka.
NDA’s prospects and future polls
Expressing confidence about the future, Nikhil said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would return to power in 2028. He maintained that he was not disheartened by his past electoral defeats and would continue to work for the party’s growth.
“I am not disheartened by my election losses. I will continue to fight,” he said, adding that the 2026 urban and rural local body elections would be crucial for party workers. He described the local body polls as the first step towards regaining power in the Vidhana Soudha.
Nikhil also assured party activists that their interests would be protected and that the leadership would ensure adequate representation and support at the grassroots level.
At the event, Prasanna Kumar, son of former MLA K Mahadev and a former MYMUL chairman, was projected as the party’s candidate for Periyapatna. Hunsur MLA GD Harish Gowda expressed confidence that H D Kumaraswamy would become Chief Minister again in 2028.
Interaction with tobacco growers
Earlier in the day, Nikhil and party colleagues visited tobacco markets following complaints from growers about falling prices. Farmers expressed concern over declining returns and sought intervention from the government.
Nikhil assured the growers that he would raise the issue with the Union Commerce Ministry and press for measures to stabilise prices and safeguard farmers’ interests.
The campaign event marked an effort by JD(S) leaders to consolidate support ahead of upcoming elections, with a focus on governance issues, farmers’ concerns and the party’s long-term political strategy in the state.