HD Kumaraswamy Snubs BJP's Padayatra: Cites Distrust and Rain Havoc

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, also the JDS state president, has refused support for Karnataka BJP's planned padayatra. Citing distrust and ongoing rain havoc, he criticized an invitation to former MLA Pritham Gowda, questioning BJP's motives and lamenting the timing, given current state challenges.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who also leads the JDS in Karnataka, has rejected the BJP's invitation to support their upcoming seven-day padayatra. The event, set for August 3, aims to protest alleged misconduct by the Siddaramiah government. However, Kumaraswamy expressed anger over an invitation to former MLA Pritham Gowda, accusing him of attempting to harm the Deve Gowda family.

In a media interaction in New Delhi, Kumaraswamy questioned the BJP's intentions, stating, "They must tell us how they treated us regarding the padayatra. I'm hurt and it pains me. Who is Preetham J Gowda? He tried to destroy the HD Devegowda family. Why should we support the BJP if they don't trust us?"

Earlier, the JDS core committee, chaired by GT Deve Gowda, requested a padayatra delay due to state-wide rains. Kumaraswamy emphasized the adverse timing, noting ongoing landslides, crop destruction, and red alerts across various districts. He argued that the padayatra wouldn't benefit the people amid such crises and stated JDS's withdrawal from the event reflects this stance.

(With inputs from agencies.)