Siddaramaiah criticised over Kerala aid, alleges Nikhil Kumaraswamy

Ramanagara, : Launching a sharp attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, JD(S) Youth Wing president Nikhil Kumaraswamy on Wednesday accused the state government of “wasting taxpayers’ money” by announcing additional financial assistance to Kerala following landslides and floods.

Speaking to reporters at Chikkegowdanadoddi in the taluk, Nikhil questioned the rationale behind Karnataka sanctioning ₹10 crore as additional aid to Kerala. “If loss of life and property occurs in Kerala due to landslides, it is the responsibility of that state’s Chief Minister to announce relief. Why should Karnataka’s taxpayers bear the burden?” he asked.

Taking a dig at Siddaramaiah, he further remarked, “Is Siddaramaiah the Chief Minister of Kerala or Karnataka? It appears that he is trying to win the confidence of the party high command and secure his chair by diverting public funds.”

Nikhil alleged that the state government had failed to adequately respond to distress in its own regions. “North Karnataka witnessed heavy rains and floods. Farmers repeatedly sought compensation, but their voices went unheard. However, the Chief Minister’s heart seems to melt only for incidents in Kerala,” he said, adding that he had personally toured the affected regions in Karnataka and witnessed the hardships of farmers.

On the issue of by-elections in Davanagere and Bagalkot Assembly constituencies, Nikhil dismissed concerns that the BJP had sidelined JD(S). “Alliance dharma must be upheld. JD(S) leaders participated when BJP candidates filed nominations in both constituencies,” he clarified.

He also stated that Union Minister and JD(S) leader H. D. Kumaraswamy, despite being in Delhi, would campaign in both constituencies. “JD(S) leaders will actively campaign alongside alliance candidates,” he added.

Responding to a question on the Mekedatu project, Nikhil urged Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin. “Our leaders, including H. D. Deve Gowda, are committed to obtaining central approval once the NOC is in place,” he said.

Earlier, Nikhil met farmers affected by land acquisition for the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) project and heard their grievances regarding compensation. He assured that a delegation of 40 members would be taken to Delhi to meet Union Minister Kumaraswamy and push for early release of compensation.

Local JD(S) leaders and workers were present during the visit.