Bengaluru: KPCC Media and Communication Department chairman and former MLC Ramesh Babu on Tuesday hit out at Union minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over his allegation that Congress leaders had ousted former chief minister Siddaramaiah through a “sting operation”, calling the claim baseless and politically motivated.
Kumaraswamy’s remarks have triggered a fresh political exchange in Karnataka, with Congress leaders rejecting the allegation and questioning the basis for the claim.
Ramesh Babu said Kumaraswamy’s statement appeared aimed at creating confusion within the Congress and described his style of politics as “hit-and-run”, alleging that he made accusations without substantiating them.
He said Siddaramaiah’s political career, public support and contribution to Karnataka were well known and that his political standing had never depended on covert operations or conspiracies. The Congress, he said, was a democratic organisation where decisions were taken through established party and constitutional processes.
Ramesh Babu also referred to controversies involving Kumaraswamy over alleged audio recordings, phone tapping and sting operations, questioning his comments on political morality.
He further alleged that Kumaraswamy’s remarks were aimed at appeasing his political allies in the BJP and safeguarding his position in the Union government rather than expressing genuine concern for Siddaramaiah.
“Instead of fabricating conspiracies within the Congress, Kumaraswamy should first set his own political house in order. The Congress does not require any certificate from Kumaraswamy regarding its leadership or internal democracy,” Ramesh Babu said.
He asserted that the Congress remained united behind its leadership and democratic traditions, and said attempts to create divisions within the party through politically motivated statements would not succeed.
Ramesh Babu added that people would judge not only Kumaraswamy’s statements but also the circumstances and political interests behind them.